A Mary Heart In A Martha World

Congregation: Calvary

Speaker: Steve Ebersole

Date: August 14, 2022

Audio Runtime: 58:28

Summary: A Mary Heart in a Martha World Having a heart of devotion for Christ in a world of misguided values. Noble things that may be said about both Mary and Martha Mary and Martha were not reprobate sinners who pursued a life of sin and iniquity. Both of these sisters appear to be unmarried and without children. They had a close relationship with their unmarried brother who lived with them, and they cared about their friends. As far as we know, they were examples of virtue and godliness. Moreover, while they had spiritual interest and very likely good standing in the synagogue, they did not choose the “holier than thou” attitude that characterized so many of the religious world. They nurtured a relationship with the Lord Jesus who was a friend of penitent sinners. They were ready to express their friendship toward Jesus. They invited Him into their house. They intended to take care of Jesus’ physical needs. We have no hint that they began to reject Christ when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. The last account of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet in John 12 is said to have been within a week of Jesus’ crucifixion and in this account Jesus made reference to His fast approaching burial. But Mary and Martha were human. In spite of being good people, they had deep needs. Then Mary made a choice that set her apart for criticism and blessing. In examining these needs and choices we can find connection with Mary and Martha in order to learn deeper lessons in life. Areas of vulnerability In three Bible passages we get a snapshot into the lives of these sisters. These stories portray times of conflict and need when the veneer of life was stripped away. It is here that we discover the true character of each. Inside this pamphlet we have quotes from Bible verses that record the conversation of Jesus and Mary and Martha. Some questions to ponder: I. What are we saying about ourselves if we treat our siblings differently than we do other people? II. What does our response in time of stress say about our true character? III. How might a homemaker with a life full of women’s activities miss the deeper meaning of life? How might a successful businessman be spiritually impoverished? IV. What does connectedness with Christ in times of deep grief yield from the relationship we have developed in times of normalcy?Martha* Luke 10 - First recorded meal • Martha received him into her house v38 • Martha was cumbered about much serving v40 • dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? v40 • bid her therefore that she help me. v40 • thou art careful and troubled about many things: v41 John 11 - Lazarus’ death and resurrection • Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.v5 • Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him v20 • if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. v21 • whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee v22 • I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. V24 • Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. v27 • she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying . . .v28 • Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days v39 John 12 - Jesus’ feet anointed by Mary • they made him a supper; and Martha served v2 * Each of these are direct quotes which give insight into character. 1. What was at the root of Martha’s impatience with Mary? 2. What did Martha say that might have been a way to subtly manipulate Jesus? Do you think this was intentional? 3. How did Jesus respond to Martha’s manipulation? 4. What are some signs that our good service may be harming our influence in God’s kingdom? 5. How could Jesus love Martha even though she had flawed values? 6. Why does it seem that even when Martha did not intend to be confrontational, contentiousness spilled out of her mouth?Mary Luke 10 - First recorded meal • which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word v39 • hath chosen that good part, ... shall not be taken away from her. v42 John 11 - Lazarus’ death and resurrection • the town of Mary and her sister Martha. v1 • which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair v2 (an identification, the event happened in the next chapter) • but Mary sat still in the house. v20 • “The Master is come, and calleth for thee” v28 • As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, ...came unto him v29 • the Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her v31 • she fell down at his feet v32 • Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died v32 • When Jesus therefore saw her weeping. . . he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled v33 • Then many of the Jews which came to Mary v45 John 12 - Jesus’ feet anointed by Mary • Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair v3 • Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. v7 (ESV she intended to keep it for the day of my burial) How do we know? 1. What Mary chose enabled her to rise above the rejection and intimidation she would have felt from her sister? 2. That Mary had not neglected helping her sister? 3. That Mary valued people while Martha valued things? That while Martha owned the house, Mary owned the town? 4. That Jesus did not feel intimidated when people, even women sat at His feet? 5. That Mary’s grief touched Jesus in the deep recesses of His heart? 6. That Mary heard things that Jesus said from His heart that other disciples missed?A Mary Heart in a Martha World I. The Signs of a Heart’s Devotion A. The time and attention we spend indicates our private desires. B. Our feelings, emotions, attitudes and even our temptations flow out of our heart’s devotion. C. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” – the words that spill out and the tones with which they are given. D. The quality of relationships we have nurtured. II. The Steps to a Heart of Devotion A. A choice of brokenness toward self and sin that becomes a lifestyle of taking up the cross of discipleship. B. We only trust people that we know. The only way to truly know God is to connect with the examples and promises He gives us in His word. “Promises...partakers of the divine nature...” (2 Pe 1:4) C. Hebrews 12 We have to choose to see hard times and disappointments in life as being from the hand of a loving Father D. “Fretting magnifies the problem, but prayer magnifies God.” E. The fact is, until we stop doubting God's goodness, we can't experience God's love. F. Jesus’ words to Martha are the words He wants to speak into our hearts today: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary...” The “one thing” is not found in doing more. It’s found by sitting at his feet. III. The Seat of a Heart of Devotion A. At Jesus’ feet in regular Bible reading and prayer. B. In study of any extra devotional material. C. In meditation on Bible promises. IV. The Support to a Heart of Devotion A. Jesus will rise to the defense, “that good part...shall not be taken away from her.” B. Promise of life everlasting. The dead shall arise. The living shall be changed. This world is the temporary test. C. “Let her alone...” She understands and is meeting a need. V. The Success of the Heart of Devotion A. The peace of knowing you have chosen the good part when the storms of life break around you. B. Relationships of those you have invested in come back to bless. C. Knowing you have a relationship with the Savior who is coming again to receive us unto Himself. Challenge: Choose the good part today which can never, ever be taken away from you!

Categories: Christian Living, Christian Service, Character Study