TITLE: Meal not eaten in the Kitchen
TEXT: Luke 10:38-42
PROPOSITION: We must learn to seek the good part.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Choices
SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Remember as a kid – having company.
2. Necessary work in kitchen – BUT miss some things.
3. Look at 2 people, 2 counsels and 2 choices

Two People

1. Mary and Martha – sisters – Bethany
2. Short distance from Jerusalem – Jesus stayed there often
3. Brother – Lazarus – raised from dead (John 11)
4. Siblings are very different – can’t treat, speak to, punish – the same.
5. Martha – Outspoken (but not by many) (John 11:39)

   Hard worker – hospitable, loved the Lord

   Mary – busier internally than externally

   Different priorities, Quiet, study, an ardent disciple

6. We are all different – personalities, strengths, weakness
7. Don’t try to be someone else – be the best YOU possible.

Two Counsels

1. To Martha a caution
2. To Mary a commendation
3. Picture the scene – Mary at Jesus feet learning, asking questions
4. Martha – rolling pin, flour on face, sweating, pan boiling over
5. Martha actually rebukes Jesus – v. 40
6. Jesus’ rebuke was kind but clear – v. 41-42a
7. Distracted – "driven about mentally", under pressure
8. Charles Hummel wrote – "Have you ever wished for a thirty-hour day? Surely
   this extra time would relive the tremendous pressure under which we live. Our
   lives leave a trail of unfinished tasks. Unanswered letters, unvisited friends, un-
   written articles, unread books haunt quiet moments when we stop to evaluate.
   We desperately need relief."
9. We allow the URGENT to crowd out the IMPORTANT.

Two Choices

1. The choice is clear. We can not take away the ONE thing important.
2. How did Martha react? Slam pots and pans? Angry? Frustrated?
3. OR Did she calm down? Take the pot off the stove and listen to Jesus?

Conclusion:

1. You have the same situation, counsel and choices.
2. What will you do? How will you react? What will you do?