Tag: Luke 10
Choosing the good portion!
Scripture reading for March 17: Luke 10
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus and His disciples were welcomed into the home of a woman named Martha and her sister Mary. Wherever He went, Jesus was teaching, preaching the Good News, and bringing the kingdom near to those who heard Him. Now serving is honorable in the kingdom, for Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom was to become a servant of all and He modeled servanthood. (Luke 22:27) But Mary, Martha’s sister, had chosen to sit at Jesus’ feet and take in His teaching rather than help Martha with providing the needs of the disciples and Jesus. Martha was ‘distracted’ by serving. Jesus gave her a word of correction. The most important part of any life is to spend time with Jesus and to serve out of that relationship. It is easy to judge others and feel sorry for ourselves.
Many times, those in Christ’s church get distracted by serving. It is said that twenty percent of the church members do the bulk of the work to meet the needs of caring for the people and property. Pastors can be among the most distracted! Good works can be the distraction that takes us away from a deeper walk with our Lord. Jesus is calling His followers to see our priorities in light of His world view. We must evaluate our choices and our attitude as we serve and our critical judgment of others.
This simple story causes us to examine our hearts. Have you prioritized spending time daily sitting at Jesus’ feet? As you make decisions today about how to use the time allotted, what changes come to mind that would help you eliminate the distractions? What attitude do I hold as I serve the Lord and others?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this simple story. As I read it, I am convicted of my own distractions by doing work of serving. Forgive me for not choosing the good portion of sitting at Your feet before serving. Teach me to be a great servant through Your Word and example. Amen.
Lambs among wolves!
Scripture reading for March 17th: Luke 10
Jesus called many disciples to Him and taught them the principles of the kingdom of God. After they had heard and observed His ministry methods, He sent them out two by two to do His work among the lost. “He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:2-3) Jesus told them to pray for workers and then in the same breath, sent them out to the harvest field! Prayer and going often go together. We pray to prepare our own hearts to obey and do what we have asked God to do! It has been said that prayer makes us want what God wants!
Jesus sent these workers out as lambs among wolves. The world is a hostile place for the Lord and His followers. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified and nailed to a cross by the wolves! Wolves may even be found among the religious community and God’s people! Lambs follow their Shepherd and obey His voice. So these disciples went urgently and immediately with the blessing of their Shepherd. They were instructed to preach and teach among those who would receive them. When not received, they were to move on to another place. God would judge those who refused their ministry! (Luke 10:12)
The seventy-two joyfully returned from their mission proclaiming that demons were subject to them in Christ’s Name! “He (Jesus) replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19) These ‘lambs’ had spoiled the wolf’s appetite!