Introduction:
Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is remembered for her devotion and spiritual focus. In a culture where women were often excluded from discipleship opportunities, Mary chose to break norms and sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching. Her story, found in Luke 10:38–42, reveals the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus over worldly distractions.
1. Mary’s Devotion: Sitting at Jesus’ Feet
Mary’s decision to sit at Jesus’ feet reflects her deep hunger for His teaching. While Martha was busy serving, Mary focused on learning from the Lord, showing her understanding of what was most important.
- Scripture Support: “Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (Luke 10:39).
- Life Application: Make time daily to sit at Jesus’ feet through prayer and Bible study. This intimate connection with God equips you to handle life’s challenges with peace and wisdom.
2. The Significance of Sitting at Jesus’ Feet
In the ancient world, sitting at a rabbi’s feet symbolized discipleship and a desire to learn. Mary’s choice to prioritize Jesus over cultural expectations reveals her spiritual insight and humility.
- Scripture Support: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10).
- Life Application: Be willing to go against societal norms if it means drawing closer to Jesus. Honor God above all else, and trust Him to guide your life.
3. Jesus’ Commendation of Mary
When Martha complained about Mary’s lack of help, Jesus gently affirmed Mary’s choice, stating that she had chosen “the good portion.” This highlights the eternal value of prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly concerns.
- Scripture Support: “One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
- Life Application: Recognize that your relationship with Jesus is the foundation for all other aspects of life. When you focus on Him, everything else falls into place.
Life Applications:
- Prioritize Time with Jesus: Create a daily routine that includes prayer, Bible reading, and reflection.
- Cultivate Humility: Like Mary, approach Jesus with a teachable and humble heart, ready to receive His wisdom.
- Resist Distractions: Identify what pulls you away from spending time with Jesus, and make intentional changes to eliminate those distractions.
- Choose the Eternal: Invest in what has lasting value—your relationship with Christ—rather than being consumed by temporary concerns.
Teaching Questions:
- What does Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet teach us about prioritizing spiritual growth?
- How can we create space in our busy lives to focus on Jesus?
- What are some distractions that prevent us from spending time with God?
- Why did Jesus commend Mary’s decision as “the good portion”?