Thursday Evening Bible Study Part 1

Mary & Martha Bible Study #1

John 21:25 says, “There are so many other things Jesus did. If they were all written down, each of them, one by one, I can't imagine a world big enough to hold such a library of books.” (The Message)

The 4 gospels are not identical. Each writer, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, had to carefully decide which events and miracles to include. And so the simple fact that Luke decided to include a story of two sisters named Mary and Martha must have significant meaning and application to our lives.

Luke 10:38-42
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

• What do we know about Mary & Martha?

Probably widowed
Lazarus was their brother
City of Bethany
Martha’s house, Mary probably lived with her, maybe Lazarus lived near by
Martha was the one who ran to tell Jesus Lazarus died
Mary was one who anointed the feet of Jesus

• Are you a Mary or a Martha?

Martha - “mover and a shaker”- detail oriented (name in Hebrew means “lady” or “mistress (of the house))
Mary was probably more emotional & sensitive
Both spiritual

The story of Mary and Martha is a story of two sisters that I think we can all relate to one way or another.

• A story of two women’s worship
• Gentleness correction of Jesus

This is a layered story, and each week we will study a different aspect of this story, but this week, because it is the first week, we will concentrate on why we are taking the time to meet every other Thursday…

Women's Ministry
When you hear the term women’s ministry, what is the first thing you think of?
(e.g. Cooking, Cleaning, Banquets)

• Not much has changed in 2000 years. And although there is nothing wrong with that, we are good at what we do, Jesus saw us as so much than that.
• It’s important for us to recognize that Martha was doing what she knew to do. In all actuality, it would seem that Mary would have been the one receiving the gentle rebuke
• It’s important for us to recognize what Mary was doing
• To sit at His feet was not just a place of “worship” like the songs we sing, it’s a place of humility and education. That is where His disciples sat and learned.
• When Jesus went against cultural expectations and allowed Mary, a woman, to sit at His feet, He made a bold statement. Sometimes even our own expectations of ourselves dictate what we think our ministry should be. When Jesus allowed Mary to sit and learn with the disciples and probably other high officials in Bethany, He was saying that women are just as important as men. Men and women don’t always have the same roles, but it is a priority for both genders to be educated in His Word.
• When Martha was putting emphasis on “doing” Jesus was saying that a woman is greater than what she does.

Our worth can never be defined by what we do.

But remember that both women were spiritual. A lot of times Martha gets a bad rap. Although Martha gets the gentle rebuke and returns to work while Mary stays seated at His feet… let’s look at one more thing. It is apparent that Jesus had an intimate relationship with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

Listen to what Martha says to Jesus in
John 11:20-22: 20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

• Martha and Jesus have a discussion regarding death and Lazarus and 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God…

In the book of Matthew, let’s look at a conversation between Jesus and Peter:

Matthew 16:14-18: 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• What Martha and Peter said are very similar
  o Jesus said that Peter was blessed and had a revelation from God.
• Peter’s statement is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke – but not John. Martha’s statement which is nearly identical to Peter’s, was recorded in John, but not the other three.
• Martha, as well as Peter, had a revelation of who Jesus was.
• And so did Mary -that is why she chose to sit, learn, and worship at His feet.

We have a lot to learn from both women. And finding the balance of the Mary and Martha within us is an important key to a closer relationship with Jesus.