Let's Stop Misinterpreting What God Wants Mari Ikeda
A. Martha and Mary (38-42)
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself ? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed―or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
B. What pleases God most
1. Childlike trust in God (21)
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
2. Trusting God through Jesus (22-24)
22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Summary
Trust is foundational to our relationship with God. He is delighted when we trust him even when we can't fully understand him, just as children trust their parents even when they don't fully understand them. In various circumstances of life, we find ourselves worrying and even doubting God, but in those times, let's remember God's love as demonstrated through Jesus' cross. Before God, we can be exactly as we are in that moment. As beloved children of God, let's be honest and open before him with our doubts, questions, and our joys.
For Discussion
1) Why did Jesus approve of Mary's actions?
2) What does it mean to trust God like a child?