One Thing Sermon Series

Sermon follow-up 6/30/25

Introduction
In our busy lives filled with distractions, where should we focus our attention? The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 offers profound wisdom about what truly matters in our relationship with Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Sit at Jesus' Feet?
When Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary, we see two very different responses. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." This wasn't just casual conversation - the Greek text reveals Mary was continuously listening to Jesus proclaiming the gospel message.

Mary's posture is significant for several reasons:

• She took the position of a disciple (traditionally reserved for men in that culture)
• She was focused on Jesus' words rather than household tasks
• She prioritized being present with Jesus over cultural expectations

Why Do We Get Distracted from What Matters Most?
Martha's response is described with three powerful words: distracted, worried, and upset. The original Greek word for "distracted" means "to be pulled away" or "dragged away" - a perfect description of our modern experience.
Our brains form neural pathways - habits of thought and behavior - that can pull us away from what matters most. Just like Martha, we can become so focused on tasks and responsibilities that we miss the opportunity to be present with Jesus.

This isn't just about ancient history. Our modern world is designed to capture our attention:

• Social media algorithms designed to keep us scrolling
• Entertainment options competing for our time
• Work demands that never seem to end
• Even good things like serving others can distract us from the best thing

What Was Jesus' Response to Martha?
Jesus' response to Martha wasn't harsh condemnation but gentle correction: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one."

Notice Jesus' tone:

• The double use of her name ("Martha, Martha") shows affection, not rebuke
• He acknowledges her feelings of worry and being upset
• He gently redirects her attention to what truly matters

Jesus wasn't condemning service - after all, he came "not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). Rather, he was pointing out that Mary had chosen something better: sitting at his feet and hearing the gospel message.

Why Do We Need to Hear the Gospel Repeatedly?
Mary and Martha were already followers of Jesus. They had likely heard his teaching before. So why does Jesus commend Mary for listening again?
Because we need to hear the gospel message repeatedly. As Martin Luther reportedly said, "We need to be reminded of the gospel every day because we forget it every day."

The gospel message reminds us:

• God created us for relationship with Him
• Sin broke that relationship
• Jesus paid the penalty for our sin through His death
• His resurrection defeated death and opened the way back to God
• This salvation is a gift we receive, not something we earn

When we regularly sit at Jesus' feet and listen to this message, it transforms us from the inside out.

How Does Listening to Jesus Change Our Daily Lives?
When we develop a heart that listens to Jesus, several practical changes happen:

1. We remember our own sinfulness - This frees us from the burden of always needing to be right. We can admit mistakes and weaknesses because we know we're saved by grace, not perfection.
2. We extend grace to others - When we remember the grace we've received, we're more likely to show grace to those around us.
3. We find rest - Unlike Martha who was "distracted, worried and upset," we can rest in what Jesus has already accomplished. We don't have to earn God's love through our service or achievements.
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In God's presence, at the feet of Jesus, we find "fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). We're reminded of who He is and who we are, and it changes everything.

Life Application
This week, develop a heart that listens to Jesus by preaching the gospel to yourself daily. Here are some practical ways to do this:

• Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to pause and reflect on the gospel
• Place note cards with gospel truths in places you'll see them (bathroom mirror, car dashboard)
• Begin each day by thanking God for His grace and salvation
• When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, pause and remember you're loved not for what you do but because of what Jesus has done

Ask yourself:

• What distracts me most from sitting at Jesus' feet?
• How might my relationships change if I remembered the gospel more consistently?
• In what areas of my life am I still trying to earn God's approval rather than resting in His grace?

Remember, Jesus isn't condemning your service or your work. He simply wants you to choose what's better - to sit at His feet and listen. In His presence, we are undone, made new, and find the rest our souls desperately need.