"Mary and Martha: Choosing What Is Better"

Mary and Martha: Choosing What Is Better

Text: Luke 10:38–42, John 11, John 12:1–8
Theme: A heart for Jesus over the work for Jesus
Main Point: Jesus desires our presence more than our performance.


Introduction:

  • Open with a question: “Have you ever felt too busy to pray or spend time with God?”

  • Introduce Mary and Martha as beloved friends of Jesus who show us two different approaches to serving Him.

  • The story reveals what truly matters to Jesus—not just our hands, but our hearts.


Point 1: Martha—The Servant’s Heart (Luke 10:38–42)

  • Martha welcomed Jesus into her home—she loved Him and wanted to serve.

  • But she was distracted and worried about many tasks.

  • She even tried to get Jesus to rebuke Mary for not helping.

  • Jesus gently corrected her: “Mary has chosen what is better.”

Application:

  • Serving is important, but not at the cost of sitting at Jesus’ feet.

  • In ministry, family, or business—we must protect time in His presence.


Point 2: Mary—The Worshipper’s Heart (Luke 10, John 11, John 12)

  • Mary consistently chose to be at Jesus’ feet:

    • In teaching (Luke 10),

    • In grief (John 11),

    • In worship (John 12).

  • In John 11, when Lazarus died, Mary fell at Jesus’ feet weeping.

  • In John 12, she broke expensive perfume to anoint Jesus—extravagant love.

Application:

  • Mary teaches us to come to Jesus in every season—joy, sorrow, or worship.

  • True devotion can seem foolish or excessive to others, but it moves God’s heart.


Point 3: Jesus—The One Who Sees the Heart

  • Jesus was not rebuking Martha’s service—He was redirecting her heart.

  • He values relationship over results, presence over performance.

  • When we prioritize intimacy with Him, service flows naturally and joyfully.


Conclusion:

  • Ask: Which sister are you more like today—Mary or Martha?

  • Jesus invites us to choose what is better.

  • Let’s be worshippers before we are workers.

  • Time at His feet prepares us to stand firm in life and serve others with peace.


Call to Action / Prayer:

  • Invite people to renew their commitment to spend time in God's presence daily.

  • Pray:
    “Lord, teach us to sit at Your feet. Help us not to be distracted by good things that pull us away from the best thing—You. We want to be like Mary, giving You our heart in every season. Amen.”

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