Jesus and the Sisterhood of Faith- “Get the One Thing Right” (Billy Russell, 05/19/19)

Jesus and the Sisterhood of Faith- “Get the One Thing Right”

                                              (Luke 10:38-42)

 

Happy Graduation Weekend! We are studying the five unique encounters between Jesus and women in the Gospel of Luke. Today’s focus is about two sisters, and getting “the one thing” right. What is the one thing? Grads and everyone else: nail this down and settle this priority today!

       

Jesus’ travels led to interesting hospitality conversations (v.38).

     The sister’s home is in Bethany near Jerusalem (Jn.11:1; 12:1).

     This may be the first time Jesus visits (but not the last!).

 

Jesus displays a radical shift in discipleship practice (vv.38-39).

     He includes & teaches women as disciples. Seismic “WOW” moment!

     Like many women in Jesus’ day (& today), Martha & Mary had primary

           domestic, hospitality, and care responsibilities in their home’s.

    Such a high calling is admirable and necessary.

    Unless, Jesus counsels, it interferes with a higher priority and privilege.

 

Jesus encounters the differences between the Sisters (vv.39-40)-

Mary: takes full advantage of the opportunity: Mary’s “Elf” moment!

          “sat @ the Lord’s feet listening...” (v.39).

Martha: “distracted, worried, upset” (vv.40, 42); she accuses & even

            commands Jesus to advocate for her sister’s help (v.40)!

Simply put, Mary gets it and Martha wants it, but is missing out on it.

 

Jesus teaches us to choose what is best over what is good (vv.41-42)-

                             Why is Mary’s choice better? (RT France):

*Embodies the 1st and greatest commandment (IHM): “Love the Lord...”

*Devotion > Hospitality: “We serve best when we love God most” (Stein).

*Jesus, the subject/object of our soul’s worship, matters most.

*Jesus is our portion, the better part (cf.10:25, inherit-chosen connection)-

   

Settle this priority... Jesus matters most! (v.42)-

     Nail this down: “one thing is necessary...” (it’s not taken away!)

     Share time & learn from Jesus (Luke 10:39, 42). You need it! We all do!

     1 thing: devotion and zeal for your relationship w/ Jesus!

     Your relationship w/ Jesus transcends other good commitments.