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Having a “Mary” Christmas in a Martha World (Luke 10:38-42)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[38] Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. [40] 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.” [41] But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, [42] but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

1. Our work for God should flow from our worship of God.

2. Only our devotion to Christ will prevent us from being distracted at Christmas (and beyond).

3. We need a Mary heart that leads to Martha hands (Mary 1st, Martha 2nd).

4. The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees.

Bottom Line: Having a “Mary” Christmas in a Martha World takes: Priority, necessity, focus, intentionality, grace… Jesus.

[5] The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. [Psalm 16:5]

[4] One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. [Psalm 27:4]

[13] …seek to show hospitality. [Rom 12:13]

[9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [1Pet 4:9]

[2] Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. [Heb 13:2]

[2] Therefore an overseer must be… hospitable… [1Tim 3:2]

[10] …if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints… [1Tim 5:10]

[4] …”‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” [Matt 4:4]

[32] …Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [John 11:32]

[3] Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair… [John 12:3]

[2] It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. [Psa 127:2]

[14] …as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. [Luke 8:14]

[5] …The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Phil 4:5-7]

[31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [Matt 6:31-33]

[5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]