July 20, 2025

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42

Other Readings: Genesis 18:1-14 and Luke 10:38-42

 

1. Examine the artwork linked here. What do you think the picture captures well? What are critiques that you might have?

 

2. Look at the passages below. Why might Luke have noted where Mary was located in relation to Jesus?
   1. “When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35 NIV).
       
   2. “A man named Jairus, a rule of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house” (Luke 8:41 NIV).
       
   3. [Saul, talking about his biography] “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city and trained at the feet of Gamaliel, according to the strict ways of the law of our fathers” (Acts 22:3 EHV).

 

3. Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha…” What does the double use of her name say to you? What tone or emotions might it convey to you?

 

4. Based on this text, one commentator said the following. Evaluate his remarks:

“We must choose between works if we cannot do all. In deciding on the works to be done, we are to be guided by their relative importance and necessity, those of a spiritual nature being more preeminent than those of a temporal nature, those close at home having the precedence over those at a distance, those where the need is greatest over those of less need, etc.

 

5. Why does Jesus say that Mary has chosen what is “better” (v. 42)? What is one choice between good and good that you have this week in which you can choose God and his Word—which is the better choice?

 

 

1. Answers will vary based on personal perspective.
    
2. To sit at someone’s feet was a sign that you acknowledge their authority and power, including in teacher – student relationships. Now, in Jesus’ day, it was culturally abnormal for a woman to be allowed to be a teacher’s formal student. So, in some ways, this is a culturally subversive position by Mary, but who cares?! Jesus wants to care for all souls through his word, male and female alike!
    
3. Answers will vary, but generally it seems to connote affection and a close relationship. As such, it seems most likely that Jesus was using a gentle tone with Martha.
    
4. Answers will vary, but Pastor Voss thinks there is a lot of wisdom in here. God puts us into specific roles and callings and situations to serve in those specifical roles and callings and situations. We focus on what God has put in front of us, rather than obsessing about something else God has given another person to do.
    
5. Jesus is affirming that Martha’s act of service, in and of itself is not a bad thing; in fact it was “good.” How she went about it was where she went wrong. God bless you as you make decisions between good works, and may God give you the confidence to choose hearing his word, knowing that God can bless you with efficiency in the other tasks you have to do afterward