We learned in the weekend sermon that our fears and worries can often keep us from focusing on and prioritizing our relationships with God. When we are disillusioned and disappointed, we are often likely to turn to other sources for peace and hope than God. The truth is, however, that none of these sources can provide the peace, hope, and life that can be found in Christ. Scripture teaches us to turn to Christ in the midst of our fears and worries rather than from Him.
So far in our Bible study together, we have looked at the responses of two sisters, Mary and Martha, when Jesus was a guest in Martha's home in Luke 10. We have seen how Martha chose to prioritize preparing a meal for Jesus while Mary prioritized sitting at Jesus' feet, being with Him, and learning from Him. Today, let's look at Martha's reaction to her sister's decision to sit at Jesus' feet instead of helping her prepare dinner. If you know the story, you know that Martha was not pleased that her sister was not helping her. Can you blame her? Look at what she said to Jesus about her sister’s lack of help in verse 40: “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?” The New International Version translates Martha’s response this way: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” Part of what kept Martha from making Jesus a priority was that she was worried and upset that her sister had seemingly abandoned her with all of the work, and that Jesus did not seem to care.
Can you relate to Martha in Luke 10? Have you ever let your fears, worries, and concerns that Jesus even cares about your life and your needs, that you have failed to make Christ a priority? If so, take heart in Jesus' response to Martha. He lovingly responded to her question by saying, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (verses 41-42). Jesus did not condemn Martha for her response and questioning. Instead, He invited her to a different way of living. Instead of worrying about all of the details of her dinner or if Jesus cared that her sister had abandoned her, Jesus invited her to follow Mary's example and turn to Him because, of course, He cared for her. He cares deeply for every single one of us.
What fears or worries are holding you back from trusting Christ and turning to Him? Will you follow Mary’s example and turn to Him? Here is His invitation to you today from Jesus in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” The invitation is offered. Will you accept His invitation and turn to Him who cares so deeply for you today? If so, you will find the rest your soul desperately needs.
What are you fearful or worried about today? Bring it before God. Tell Him what you are concerned about. Ask Him to help you in the areas where you need help. Run to Him today with your struggles, and you will experience His overwhelming peace.
1When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17 ‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. 21 “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. 22 I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.
23 “And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. 24 I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”
25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
27 “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
