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Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we've seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today's readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Reading Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus meets a woman named Martha who welcomes Him into her home, but her sister Mary listens to Jesus teach while Martha does all the work. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Sermons and Audio of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Follow the order of worship below along with streamed service above. Feel free to view the order online or download it here. Live-streamed service available Sundays 9am until 12:30pm CST. If you're traveling or homebound and miss that window, you can email streaming@covenantchicago.org to get a link to the service. Lent_033025
"The Resurrection and Life" | Power and Promise In this message, we explore one of Jesus' most profound "I AM" statements through the dramatic story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. When Mary and Martha sent word that "the one you love is sick," Jesus made a surprising decision - He stayed where He was for two more days. This intentional delay reveals an important truth: God's timing, though often mysterious to us, always serves His greater purpose. As Jesus told His disciples, "For your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." Key Insights: • Jesus' Emotional Response: When Jesus saw Mary weeping, he wasn't just sad - he was deeply moved and angry at death. • When Jesus asked to remove the stone, Martha reminded him that Lazarus had been dead four days and "stinketh" (KJV). This wasn't just death - it was decay, making the miracle even more extraordinary. • With just three words - "Lazarus, come out!" - Jesus demonstrated His authority over death itself. This message speaks directly to anyone who has questioned God's timing, felt abandoned in suffering, or faced the reality of death. You'll discover that Jesus doesn't just offer resurrection as a future hope - He IS the resurrection and life right now, transforming our disappointment, suffering, and grief into opportunities to truly believe. Key Scripture: John 11 (https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.11.NIV) Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Power and Promise Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/XFGbbh-K8PE) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)
In this week's message, Pastor Loïs teaches on the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10 focusing on the pitfalls of busyness in our lives. Being busy Is not sinful but busyness can become sinful when we become distracted, anxious, or feel empty without it. Pastor Loïs encourages us to choose the good portion as disciples who sit at the Lord's feet. -Featuring Roger Loïs
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I can remember being a young 7th or 8th grader. Our school was in Central Florida and in the 60’s, it did not have air conditioning. There were swing out crank windows from ceiling to almost the floor. They would open out and ventilate the room. I tried really hard to keep my attention on the math lesson, but I could hear the other students out on the playground or something as simple as a dragonfly flying around outside would distract me and before long, I was swinging on the swings or flying around with the dragonfly. It is easy to lose focus on what is important. Jesus was in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and was in the house of Martha, a friend of Jesus. Martha, Mary and Lazarus were sisters and brother and were friends of Jesus. While Jesus was there, Mary was sitting by his feet listening to him teach and Martha was busy with meal preparations. One task was urgent and another important. The urgent task can hijack the important one every time, if we let it. Jesus shares about the two and it is a lesson on what we can do to stay on the mission.
I can remember being a young 7th or 8th grader. Our school was in Central Florida and in the 60’s, it did not have air conditioning. There were swing out crank windows from ceiling to almost the floor. They would open out and ventilate the room. I tried really hard to keep my attention on the math lesson, but I could hear the other students out on the playground or something as simple as a dragonfly flying around outside would distract me and before long, I was swinging on the swings or flying around with the dragonfly. It is easy to lose focus on what is important. Jesus was in Bethany, near Jerusalem, and was in the house of Martha, a friend of Jesus. Martha, Mary and Lazarus were sisters and brother and were friends of Jesus. While Jesus was there, Mary was sitting by his feet listening to him teach and Martha was busy with meal preparations. One task was urgent and another important. The urgent task can hijack the important one every time, if we let it. Jesus shares about the two and it is a lesson on what we can do to stay on the mission.
The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich
Father Edward Looney reads and comments on The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.Day 169Volume 3FROM THE SECOND CONVERSION OF MAGDALEN TO THE DELIVERY OF THE KEYS TO PETERChapter 1: Jesus Teaching in Azanoth. Second Conversion of Magdalen.LEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE ACE25 FOR 25% OFFThe Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3QVreIsThe Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4bPsxRmThe Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich Two-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3yxaLE5The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/3wTRsULMary Magdalen in the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4brYEXbThe Mystical City of God Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/44Q9nZbOur Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims - https://bit.ly/3Ke6O9SThe Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich is a podcast from TAN that takes you through one of the most extraordinary books ever published. Follow along daily as Father Edward Looney works his way through the classic four-volume set, The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations, by reading a passage from the book and then giving his commentary. Discover the visions of the famous 19th-century Catholic mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nun who was privileged by God to behold innumerable events of biblical times.Anne Catherine's visions included the birth, life, public ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the founding of His Church. Besides describing persons, places, events, and traditions in intimate detail, she also sets forth the mystical significance of these visible realities. Here is the infinite love of God incarnate and made manifest for all to see, made all the more striking and vivid by the accounts Blessed Anne has relayed.Listen and subscribe to The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich on your favorite podcast platform or at EmmerichPodcast.com.And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code ACE25 for 25% off your next order.
Sunday November 24, 2024 10:30 A.M. Message from Life Church Boston Sermon Notes Luke 4:14-21; Luke 10:38-42; Luke 8:19-21
Big Idea: Don't let your service to the Lord keep you from His Word 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…
Message from Devo Kritzinger on November 16, 2024
E296 100 Racoons, Flying Host?, Divine Mercy, Martha and Mary by Paul George
Father Hudgins' homily: Three Thoughts on Martha and Mary
Sunday evening sermon by Tim Alsup. Tonight we study Martha and Mary in the Bible, and what they learned from their time with Jesus. What does it teach us about our own faith?
Sermon: Korean Beef Bowls with Martha and Mary, Series: Meals with Jesus, Rev. Matt Howell, Luke 10:38-42
The post Martha and Mary appeared first on Redemption's Hill Church.
Luke 10:25-42 - Old Stories New Perspective - Pastor Dan Plourde
Dr. Tom Curran shares insights on the dynamic of Martha, Mary and Lazarus in scripture. Tom gives practical examples of the “Martha vs. Mary” moment in daily life and reflects on the complementarity of prayer and action!
Title: "Jesus Visits Martha and Mary" Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 By: Sylvia Dial Bulletin https://trinitygnv.org/s/635-Bulletin-07-24-24-7n2t.pdf Scripture https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42&version=NRSVUE To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, please make a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/
Title: "Jesus Visits Martha and Mary" Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 By: Sylvia Dial Bulletin https://trinitygnv.org/s/635-Bulletin-07-24-24-7n2t.pdf Scripture https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42&version=NRSVUE To support the ongoing ministries of Trinity, please make a gift here: https://pushpay.com/g/trinitygnv?src=hpp For more information, go to https://trinitygnv.org/
The pace of our exterior lives is merely a reflection of our hurried souls…but Jesus offers a different way of life! Pastor Jeremy Treat continues our Good News for All series with a sermon from Luke 10:38-42.
Pastor Jeff teaching on Luke 10:38-42.
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Eleven and Verse Nineteen
There are two paths. Two approaches. Two ways to respond when Jesus is in the room. In this message we talk about how to deal with worry and anxiety, and how to organize our life according to the way of Christ. We hope this message blesses you and helps you live better. https://www.connectcommunity.org
Is there something in your life that you need to say "no" to so you can say "yes" to Jesus?
Series: Jesus In His Own Words Luke 10:38-42 Jenny Heckman May 5, 2024
Luke 10:25-42Speaker: Dr. David Fleer
Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we've seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today's readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
For The Life of The World: The FPC Greenville, Alabama Podcast
This is the sermon for the Lord's Day, January 21, 2024.
Pastor Bruce Roberts talks about how focusing on Jesus enables us to prioritize optimal things over optional things.
Stephanie Rousselle is joined by a special guest, Katie Reid, to dive into the topic of surrendering and finding strength in God. In this episode, Katie shares her insights on surrendering to God's will and finding identity in Christ. Together, Stephanie and Katie highlight the importance of recognizing our weaknesses and relying on God's guidance. Katie candidly reflects on her own journey of understanding the surrendered life, reminding us that surrender is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. Stephanie and Katie explore the concept of being "all in" for God, irrespective of whether we are task-oriented or not. They discuss the struggle of wanting to be productive and achieve our to-do lists while staying grounded in our relationship with God. Katie's book, "Made Like Martha," offers practical wisdom on how to surrender and find peace in our busy lives. They encourage listeners to trust God and seek Him first in every aspect of their lives, using the example of Jesus' disciples who followed Him wholeheartedly. They discuss how rushing through our relationship with Jesus is like grabbing a quick meal from a drive-thru, while settling in and savoring His presence is like enjoying a slow-cooked meal with loved ones. They speak of Peter walking on water and the profound lesson it teaches about stepping out of our comfort zones with God's strength. They remind us that our value comes from God, not from our accomplishments, inspiring us to relinquish our striving and settle in the grace He freely gives. The Gospel Spice podcast, with its unique blend of biblical teachings and modern-day application, is here to help you deepen your faith and grow in your understanding of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. We invite you to join us in this beautiful journey of surrender and discover the strength that comes from trusting in God completely. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS CONVERSATION Stephanie and Katie discussed the beauty of surrendering and finding our true identity in Christ. Here are three key takeaways from this inspiring conversation: 1️⃣ Seek God's guidance: Katie emphasized the importance of seeking God first and trusting His leading in our lives. It's essential to be in God's Word and surround ourselves with other believers, as it is one of the founding elements our personal relationship with Him. Quieting ourselves, praying, and journaling can all help us hear from God and untangle our thoughts. 2️⃣ Enjoy God's presence: Rather than solely seeking solutions or checking off our to-do lists, it's more important to build a relationship with God and enjoy His presence. Being "all in" for Him, regardless of our personality traits or tendencies, is crucial. Remember, just like a slow-cooked meal nourishes our bodies and souls, being with Jesus as a family member nourishes our spirits. 3️⃣ Surrender and find strength in weaknesses: Surrendering to God's control can be challenging, but it's an opportunity for growth and experiencing His goodness. We don't need to rely on our own strength or accomplishments to please Him. Instead, we can bring our weaknesses to Him, trusting that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Just like Jesus surrendered to the Father's will, we can enter into a covenant with God and let Him do the heavy lifting. BONUS! QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND 1. How has your understanding of surrendering to God's will evolved throughout your journey of faith? 2. What are some practical ways you can discern God's voice and guidance in your life? 3. How do you strike a balance between being a "doer" and finding your identity in Christ? 4. Have you ever struggled with feeling less spiritual because of societal pressures to be productive? How did you overcome it? 5. What areas of your life do you find it most challenging to surrender control to God? How can you invite Him into those areas more intentionally? 6. In what ways have you experienced the nourishment of a slow-cooked, intentional relationship with Jesus? How has that differed from a "drive-thru" kind of faith? 7. How can we shift our perspective from trying to impress God to simply enjoying Him and our relationship with Him? 8. What are some practical steps you can take to settle into your relationship with Jesus and savor the experience? 9. How can we find strength in surrendering to God's will and allowing Him to do the heavy lifting in our lives? 10. Reflecting on Jesus' statement "it is finished," how does it challenge your understanding of what it means to truly surrender and trust in God's all-sufficiency? MEET KATIE REID Katie Reid is a dynamic woman living in the heart of Michigan. She shares her life with her husband Adam, who serves as the lead pastor in their church. Together, they have raised five energetic children, spanning from age seven to nineteen. Boredom is never a word that describes Katie, as she is constantly engaged in various pursuits. She is notably recognized as the author of the book "Made Like Martha." Katie also dedicates her time to The Martha & Mary Show podcast, where she fervently encourages individuals to embrace their purpose while grounding themselves in the Word of God and embracing the freedom bestowed upon them by the Spirit. With her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Katie Reid serves as an inspiring role model to all who cross her path. You will find Katie at https://www.katiemreid.com/ DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family. PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with! PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people! Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog (*ListenNotes ranking, 2023) Support us on Other, PayPal and Other!
A Prayer Without Words: The Lesson Jesus, Martha and Mary Teaches Us Today! (TA) The readings today, at first glance, do not seem interconnected. The first reading is about Jonah and his warnings. The Gospel is the story of Martha and Mary. Yet there is a connection. Listen to the Homily for this insight. Jesus, Martha and Mary have a lesson for us! We know the story. Jesus comes to the house of Martha and Mary. Martha serves the Lord one way. Mary sits and listens to the Lord. Hear more within the Homily. Yet there is a lesson. It is a special prayer without words. Listen to A Prayer Without Words: The Lesson Jesus, Martha and Mary Teaches Us Today! Listen to this Meditation Media. ****************************************** You can find the transcript on the QoAH's post for our international audience and for English-speaking listeners who prefer to read the Homily.
On today's show, Gary Zimak discusses the story of Martha and Mary.
Text: Luke 10:38-42Main Idea: Today we see Jesus telling us the most important thing we must get right as his followers: a regular awareness of God. Support the show
Ever felt swamped by life's daily tasks, allowing the truly meaningful moments to slip by? Join us on the Two Fish Podcast as we journey through Luke 10:38-42, discussing the story of Martha and Mary. We shed light on their challenges with busyness and the critical life lessons therein. We also take a nostalgic look back at the pandemic and the precious opportunity it gave us to treasure our families more. You'll learn how to make your time with Jesus a priority amidst your busy schedules. We draw from the experience of Martha and Mary, showing how easy it is to be distracted by daily responsibilities and miss out on the value of intentionally spending time with Jesus. We also set the stage for future episodes of our podcast, giving you a glimpse of the exciting guests and spiritual conversations that await. So, come along and let's explore together how to deepen our relationship with God through mindful choices and attention to what truly matters.
Jesus travels to Bethany to meet with Martha and Mary upon Lazarus' death. Although the sisters don't understand Jesus' plan, they proclaim their faith and trust in Him. And then they learn, as bit by bit, He continues to give them remarkable lessons about who He is. Jesus also wants to meet with you. In today's study, learn that you can come just as you are, trusting His response. (John 11:17-37) *** Welcome to Walking in the Word, the biblical teaching arm of the Women World Leaders podcast. My name is Julie Jenkins, and it is my honor to walk with you each Wednesday as we open scripture and ask God what He wants us to learn today. If you are new to Women World Leaders, you can find out more about us at our website, womenworldleaders.com, where you can post on our prayer wall, purchase resources, and get involved in our worldwide ministry. If you are new to our podcast, this is one of three offerings we have for you each week. On Monday, founder Kimberly Hobbs hosts Empowering Lives with Purpose – a 30-minute interview with a different woman of faith who shares the story of her life, struggles, or ministry. These interviews will inspire you to listen for God's calling in your life. On Fridays, we have an amazing team of podcasters who host Celebrating God's Grace. These Friday episodes are always full of such incredible nuggets of wisdom and revelation about the goodness of God and will fuel you as you launch into the weekend! And today, you've happened on Walking in the Word, where we take time to open God's Word and learn together from it – verse by verse. We are currently studying the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John chronologically. Today we will be reading and learning from John, chapter 11, verses 17 through 37. Before we begin, let's pray… Dear Holy God – thank you in advance for guiding our thoughts and this teaching as we prepare to open your Word. Father, your Word is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. So we are here to dive in, but we also commit to handling your scripture carefully. Father, we respect the authority of the Bible, and we want to take away from it ONLY what you have intended for us today. Allow us each to focus in on you alone for the next few minutes, and then to walk away with a singular thought that you want to ingrain in us. Thank you for always blessing us with your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen. Last week we met Jesus as He received the message from His friends Martha and Mary that their brother, Jesus' dear friend Lazarus, was deathly ill. Jesus was with His disciples at the time, and despite the news, he surprisingly remained where He was for the next two days. Then, Jesus announced that although Lazarus had died, He would be traveling back to the dangerous territory near Jerusalem to “wake him up.” The disciples were confused by this statement but resolutely determined to accompany their Lord on the journey. Let's pick up today in John chapter 11, verse 17 from the New Living Translation… 17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. This information would not have surprised Jesus, who had already announced to the disciples that Lazarus had died. But the fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days is significant. Jewish sources cite the rabbinic belief that after three days, the dead person was, well, really dead. It's difficult for us to imagine in this modern day of science how a dead body naturally decomposes. But again, sources cite that because a dead person's face became unrecognizable after three days, three days was to be the first and most intense phase of mourning a loved one. During that time, the body would be buried. Then, a carefully prescribed time of mourning would follow, which often included the hiring of professional wailers to accompany the women as they reverently visited the tomb. So Jesus arrived on day 4—after Lazarus was buried and family and friends had already gone through days of grieving. Let's continue reading verse 18… 18 Bethany was only a few miles[a] down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. We know Martha as the do'er, so it isn't surprising that she was the one who would be aware that Jesus had arrived and went to greet Him. By Jewish standards, Jesus' arrival was the fulfillment of an obligatory visit from a respected teacher who had traveled to offer His condolences to the grieving family. Still, we know the deep relationship Jesus had with this family, so we can imagine the comfort Martha gained from Jesus' presence as she approached Him… 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Surely Martha was confused at Jesus' late arrival as the sisters had called for Him several days earlier. Perhaps you can relate to Martha's words. Have you ever been confused by God's actions? As Christians, we KNOW that God is sovereign—in control of everything. And we know how much He loves us. We believe that He is working all things for the good of all those who love Him. But sometimes, it just doesn't look like it. Martha pours her heart out – Lord…if you had only been here, my brother would not have died…she says as she proclaims total and complete faith in Jesus' power. But because she doesn't understand Jesus' plan…Martha states what she does know …I know that God will give you whatever you ask. Sometimes, all WE can do is proclaim that God IS in control, even when things don't make sense. Jesus heard Martha's heart…verse 23… 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[b] Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” Martha was holding tight to what she understood. Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise again – she agreed! She knew the teachings from the book of Daniel about the end days which said… there will be a time [when]… every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever Martha knew what she knew…which was a lot! But she still had so much to learn! Jesus didn't chastise her for not understanding the full truth of His statement, He simply graciously added to her knowledge. Jesus doesn't ever expect us to understand His ways completely, but He does expect us to be faithful followers of what we do know even as we open our minds and hearts to learn more. So Jesus taught her…“I am the resurrection and the life.[b] Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. And then he asked her… Do you believe this, Martha?” And, although she STILL doesn't understand that Jesus will soon do the impossible, that is, raise Lazarus who has now been dead and decomposing for four days, she again states what she DOES know… 27 “Yes, Lord,…I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” Praise God!! Even GREAT theologians know that they have only scratched the surface when it comes to completely understanding God. But we serve a God who is patient with us and never tires of teaching and guiding us! We don't ever have to be afraid that we don't know enough or understand enough, because our God IS enough – and all we have to do is yield to Him, stay alert, and trust that He will guide us with the knowledge we need. Jesus must have then told Martha to go get Mary…verse 28 continues… 28 Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” 29 So Mary immediately went to him. I just love the obedience of these women. Their minds were likely in a fog after their brother's illness and death and burial, yet they IMMEDIATELY did exactly as Jesus requested… When Martha whispered to Mary that the Teacher wanted to see her, she went. As an aside, I want to note that, culturally, women didn't have teachers. Only men had teachers. Women had husbands, who, if they chose, relayed the teaching. But both Martha and Mary called Jesus their Teacher. And they did this with full confidence that this was the way it should be. Now those are women after MY heart! Verse 30… 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus's grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Do you recognize those words? They were the same words Martha first said to Jesus. But Mary, who every time scripture speaks of her is sitting at Jesus' feet, makes her declaration while bowing at Jesus' feet in reverence and honor. Still, she was crying. Mary honored Jesus while, at the same time, baring her heart to Him. Jesus calls us to come to Him, too. And we should come to Him with reverence and awe. But He also wants us to come with complete transparency. With Martha, we learned that God doesn't want us to to be afraid to come to Him even when we don't fully understand. And now with Mary, we learn that God wants us to come to Him with our souls completely open. The takeaway…God LOVES you! And He is calling you to come to Him just as you are. Verse 33… 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him,[c] and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then we read perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible, John 10:35… 35 Then Jesus wept. Why did Jesus weep? We can speculate that Jesus felt empathy for what Mary and Martha and the other mourners were experiencing. Perhaps he was so sad that our sin leads to death. Or, as one theologian suggests, perhaps Jesus was crying for Lazarus, whom He was about to rip from paradise, bringing him back to his stinky, smelly body in this corrupt world. But perhaps it isn't as important to know WHY Jesus wept than to understand what it means THAT Jesus wept. It means that Jesus experienced the pain and heartache of being human. Therefore, WE can call out to Him at any time, trusting that He understands grief. It means that if it was okay for Jesus to be sad, then it is also okay for us to be sad. It means that Jesus is full of love and compassion and emotion. Although He is set apart, holy, and perfect, He is still so connected with us that He reaches into the depths of our souls in a way that we cannot fully understand. And it means that we are valuable to Him. When we weep, He weeps with us. Some people were shocked by Jesus' love for Lazarus, saying… “See how much he loved him!” But others misinterpreted Jesus tears…condemning and judging Him for His lack of timeliness or mismanagement of His power, saying… “This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?” God's ways are SO far above our ways! He calls us to Him, but doesn't judge us when we don't understand. He never ceases to gently teach us. He offers full rights to His presence to all of us – even women, which was controversial at the time and still is controversial in some cultures. And He weeps for and with us, even while working out His perfect plan for our salvation and our lives. In short, we are each called to come to an amazing God who is deeper, more loving, and more patient than we can begin to imagine. And as YOU listen today, you can be assured that He is calling you. Will you, like Martha and Mary, respond immediately, fully trusting where He will take you? Let's pray, Dear Most Holy Father – thank you for sending your son Jesus to live life as a human being on this messed up earth. Thank you for calling each of us, and for teaching us that you want us to come to you just as we are. Thank you for accepting us and giving us chance after chance to grow and learn and become all you have called us to be. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
A new MP3 sermon from Maidenbower Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Martha and Mary (sermon 927) Subtitle: From the heart of Spurgeon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Maidenbower Baptist Church Event: Podcast Date: 7/21/2023 Bible: Luke 10:38-42 Length: 31 min.
Spurgeon's assessment of Martha and Mary is not just a crass comparison between the two women, but is rather used to throw light on a disposition he perceives in the church as a whole. It may not be the kind of sermon that all men are in a position to preach, for not all are exposed to the range of activity, the range of influence, and the range of censure to which Spurgeon was exposed. That opportunity enables him to ask about attitudes he perceives rising in the church of his day, the kinds of critiques perhaps thrown about in the Christian journals and popular newspapers of his day. He responds and instructs by identifying the Martha spirit and its consequences (being careful to acknowledge what is good by desire or intent in her approach) as well as underscoring the important of the Mary spirit. No-one who recognises the kind of labour in which Spurgeon engaged will accuse him of dismissing Martha's activism or of pursuing mere pietism in insisting that Mary's communion with Christ was the foundation of all her usefulness. The warning is still well taken today: that mere activity is not enough; we must be close to Christ. Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app
Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we've seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today's readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we've seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today's readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.