Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-44
Read Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-44
Helpful Background Information:
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany were siblings who were good friends of Jesus. Martha was most likely the oldest, as she was the one recognized to welcome Jesus into her home, and she was in charge of the preparations.
It is believed that this family was likely somewhat wealthy, as they had a large house that could host many guests and dinners, and Mary had expensive perfume to anoint Jesus with in John 12.
In the story in Luke, we often see Martha as the “bad” example, when in reality, she was doing the culturally appropriate and honorable thing.. Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to him teach was strange and unexpected, as she was ignoring her responsibilities to host. Jesus lovingly corrects Martha, re-organizing traditional biblical hospitality around himself. It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t appreciate all of Martha’s hard work and that she shouldn’t have been doing those things, but her priorities were misaligned.
Reflection Questions:
Do you tend to relate more to Martha or Mary? Martha was a type A, practical, diligent, logical thinking person, while Mary was more tender, emotional, and relationally-driven. How does Jesus respond and interact with each of the sisters? What does this tell you about Jesus? How does Jesus meet you where you are at in different seasons of your life?
What is distracting you from fixing your eyes on Jesus? These distractions can be good or bad things, and some even necessary, but how do they relate to remaining in Jesus? Jesus cares more about our presence than performance. What would change in your routine if you truly prioritized Jesus’ presence and teachings over daily tasks and distractions?
We see Jesus sharing in Martha and Mary’s sorrows, and being present with them in their pain in personal ways. He hears their cries. What sorrows are you facing today? Bring those to the Lord, as he wants to meet you where you are at and give you hope today. Who in your life can you mirror Jesus’ compassion toward, weeping with those who weep and pointing them to the truth?