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Only One Thing is Needed
Luke 10:38-42, 6:46-49
Mari Ikeda
A. Listen to the words of the Lord
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.”(Luke 10:38-42)
1. Our own thoughts and societal norms can hinder us
2. Focus only on the Lord
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
39 …Mary … sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
41 … the Lord answered,…
B. Listening to the words of the Lord doesn’t end with just listening
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:46-49)
1. Listening but not doing means that we are not really listening
2. The Lord strengthens us from our core
C. Finding out the Lord’s will without being distracted by others
(self, other people, or society)
Summary
As the covid crisis continues, we are all living in a time of uncertainty. We also have our own problems and struggles. In the midst of all of this, Jesus is our Lord. We need to ask Jesus what he desires from us and not just come to him for help. Sometimes our own ideas, the opinions of others, and the values of society can get in the way as we seek out Jesus’ will. Understanding his will for us gives us the strength to take the next step regardless of our circumstances.
For Discussion
- What, specifically, does it mean to listen well to Jesus?
- What should we do when we don’t know Jesus’ will?