The One Necessary Thing

Give examples of sibling differences Read Luke 10:38-42 1. Do you notice anything unusual about they way Mary and Martha are introduced to us? Name – Hebrew word is Onoma – proper name Called – kaleo – to give a name to. Nickname is often descriptive of one’s personality/physical characteristics. Alexander the Great, Ivan the Terrible, Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious. Note: Mary --- the Hebrew relates to the word Mara, which means bitter or rebellious. “Mary” in Luke 10 is perhaps not a given name but a nickname. This woman had a reputation for being bitter or rebellious. 2. What is the definition of bitterness? Resentful; Expression of severe anguish or disappointment 3. Describe a person who is bitter. What is their personality like? How do they present themselves? What is their attitude like? 4. If Mary was bitter, what do you think she may have been bitter about? Not being married. No mention of husband. Loss of spouse. Or spinster. Jewish culture – looked down upon if not married by age 20. 5. Describe the scene at Martha’s house. What is Martha doing and why? Martha busy preparing the meal … serving food and drink to her guests. In the middle of her “busyness”, Jesus is teaching to the people in the house. Martha reminds me of my mom/Kim’s mom. Refuse to sit down for a meal. When they do it’s only for a minute or two. Unable to participate in fellowship of family. Distracted – Greek word is Perispao - The Greek word properly signifies to be drawn different ways at the same time. You ever felt that way? Give examples. 6. What is Mary doing and why? Sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach. Enthralled by what she is hearing. If Mary was bitter, the words of Jesus sweetened her spirit. They were bringing her hope. 7. What do you think was going through Martha’s mind while Mary was listening to Jesus? What does Martha say to Jesus? “Jesus! Don’t you care that my sister is not helping me keep you and ours guests comfortable? Tell her to get her lazy self up and help me!” How do you think she said it? 8. What does all the above tell us about Martha - her personality? Perfectionist, bossy, not afraid to say what’s on her mind, not afraid to rebuke others – including Jesus. You hear Martha being bitter toward her sister AND Jesus. 9. What distracts you from listening to God? Good intentions can create distractions. 10. What did Jesus say to Martha? Read verse 41 11. Why do you think Jesus had to say her name twice? Get her attention. Get her to stop her “busyness” so that she can listen to what He had to say to her. 12. What was Martha’s issue/problem? Perispao. She was worried and anxious about a multitude of things. Jesus wanted Martha to focus on what? The one thing that is necessary. 13. What is the one thing that is necessary? The Words that came from the lips of Jesus. His Words will never depart from Mary. When she feels the bitterness begin to grow inside her, Mary will be able to remember the Words of Jesus and know hope again. This is why it is so important to know the Word of God. When the World creates an environment that will make you want to Perispao, the Word of God will keep you focused on the One thing that is necessary. Two women with the same problem---bitterness. But the bitterness stems from different issues. One is listening to Jesus, the other is not. With whom do you identify?