The One Thing That's Needed
Sermon for Luke 10:38-42, Sunday, July 21
Sermon In A Sentence: Like Martha, we think that the important thing is doing - but Jesus
teaches us to sit - to listen - to learn - to love.
Our story starts, "As Jesus and His disciples went on their way, Jesus entered into a certain
village" (v. 38). That raises two questions. First, Jesus and His disciples were on their way - on
their way where? We find the answer to that question in the last chapter - chapter 9. It says that
Jesus "intently set his face to go to Jerusalem" (9:51). Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem - on
His way to the cross - on His way to die. Sort of puts a spin on everything else which is to
follow, doesn't it?! Second, where was this "certain village" that Jesus entered? Luke doesn't say,
but the Gospel of John tells us that the name of the village was Bethany (John 11:1) - and that
Bethany was near Jerusalem (John 11:18).
John also tells us that Martha and Mary have a brother - Lazarus - and that, shortly before Jesus'
death, He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44). Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are friends
of Jesus. Jesus is popular, and many people would be proud to have Him as a guest in their
house. John tells us that Jesus loved all three of them (John 11:5).
Martha welcomed Jesus into her house, and then went to the kitchen to fix dinner. Mary,
Martha's sister, did NOT go to the kitchen to help, but instead "sat at Jesus' feet and heard his
word" (v. 39). That seems OK to me. You can't just abandon your guest while everyone works in
the kitchen.
But it wasn't OK with Martha. Luke says that Martha "was distracted with much serving" (v.
40a). You know how that feels, don't you! You have experienced being "in over your head" -
"distracted with much (work)." You have wanted help, and didn't know where to turn. I have
been there too. I'm a lot like Martha. I like to work, and I usually pitch in and do my
part. Sometimes I end up working while others sit around chatting. Maybe, like me, you know
how Martha felt.
So Martha, angry at being abandoned in the kitchen, came to Jesus and said, "Lord!" Now don't
miss that little word – “Lord.” The first word out of Martha's mouth acknowledges Jesus
as Lord. Good job, Martha! But then Martha, who has just acknowledged Jesus as Lord,
rebukes Him. First, she asks if Jesus doesn't care that Mary isn't helping. Then she gives Jesus an
order: "Tell my lazy sister to get into the kitchen to help me." Well, those aren't the exact words
that Luke uses to report this incident, but that's what Martha meant!
