Martha

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

~Luke 10:38

What do the words "opened her house" tell you about Martha?

• that she was very welcoming

When have you opened your home to someone?  Not just had them over for coffee or a meal, but let them use your house as their own?  Opened your heart to them as well as your home?  Describe the person adn the circumstances.

• Since I still live with my parents, I can't exactly recall having a situation like this in my life.  If I were on my own right now, anyone that would be close to me would be more than welcome to stay

Hospitality is listed as a gift in I Peter 4:9.  Do you have the gift of hospitality?  How do you use it?

• I believe I do.  I would treat any of my guests like they were a part of my own family

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

~Luke 10:39

Describe what you think this scene looked like.

• I see the whole group in a dining area where Mary sits at Jesus' feet, the desciples are listening to his teachings and Martha is rushing around making sure everything is going well for her guests

Compare Mary and Martha.  Which woman are you more like?

• There are times when I'm like either woman.  Like Mary, I'm a good listener to anyone that may heed me advice or just wants to talk.  On the other hand, I can be like Martha, where I want to make a good impression for my guests or friends that are visiting.

Often, this story puts Martha in a negative light and Mary in a possitive one.  Do you think that's fair?  Why or why not?

• In a way I think it is because Martha didn't need to worry about impressing Jesus.  He would have been just as content with the dwelling's current condition no matter what and if his desciples had griped about it.  He would have rebuked them.  Martha should have been listening to Jesus' teachings just like her sister Mary

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

~Luke 10:40

Martha was pretty frank with Jesus.  What does that tell you about her relationship with him?  Why do you think she complained to Jesus instead of going directly to Mary?

• that she can be pretty impatient
• She probably complained to Jesus instead because she thought Mary wouldn't listen to her sister

If you were honest with Jesus, more honest than you've ever been before, what would you say to him?

• I would tell him anything that I would feel very uncomfortable telling anyone else I know

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

~Luke 10:41-42

What was Jesus trying to tell Martha?

• Not to worry and to just relax and listen to his teaching

If Jesus were to come to visit you today, would you busy yourself with preparation, as Martha did, or sit at his feet, like Mary?  Which position would you be more comfortable with?

• I think I would be more like Mary, sitting at his feet.  I also think I would be more comfortable with this position

What in your life would Jesus think is a distraction from spending more time with him?  Would he think these distractions were anymore legitimate than Martha's?

• I guess I would say the liesure reading I do all the time. 
• Probably not

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

~Luke 11:27

We often study Martha and see her shortcomings.  However, this statement, made after her brother, Lazarus, had died, reveals another side of Martha.  What does her declaration here tell you about who Martha really was?

• deep inside, she was a true believer of God