THE BETTER PART

Sermon Notes, July 21, 2019

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

Pastor Garry’s sermon was titled “The Better Part,” and was based on Luke 10:38-42.

 Jesus and His disciples were on the way to Jerusalem and they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  It was to be His last journey to Jerusalem before His crucifixion.  Martha had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”

“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.”

Martha’s spiritual gift is hospitality.  Jesus is returning to Jerusalem to pay the final price for redemption from sin.  All He wanted was to spend time with His friends.  He needed them to hear Him and be with Him.  Martha was caught up in preparing an elaborate meal for the Lord, but she missed the chance to just sit at His feet and listen to Him.

How often are we, like Martha, so caught up in doing the Lord’s work that we miss the Lord Himself?  Sometimes we use our gifts, and use our gifts and use our gifts until we are tired.  It leads to burnout.  We miss resting in the Lord.  How many of us project what we think ought to be done onto other people?

This isn’t a story about one person.  It’s about two people.  Sisters, very different in how they approach life. Mary is the one who wants to be quiet, to listen.  Martha shows her love by her hospitality: she’s the go-getter.  She resents her sister, the lazybones, and goes to God, to make her help.  She thinks God is on her side, because she’s doing what needs to be done.  God needs both the quiet worshiper and the go-getter.  Imagine what could be done if they work together.  Not DO, but BE.

Be the Martha; use your gifts.  But make time to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen.  Listen to God’s Word and follow through.