What s The Main Thing? Luke 10:38-42 July 18, 2010

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Arnold Donald Cobb
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1 What s The Main Thing? Luke 10:38-42 July 18, Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me. 41 But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her. Years ago, the London Transit Authority was receiving many complaints. It seemed that folks were being left standing at bus stops. The odd thing was that the bus was coming by them. It just failed to stop. It became such an issue that the authority was forced to make a statement. That statement went something like this. We can t maintain our schedule if we have to stop to pick up passengers. The London Transit System seems to have forgotten its purpose. Their leaders had concluded that being on time was more important than picking up passengers. We laugh at that attitude. If we are honest, however, we sometimes forget our reasons for existing as churches. Today s text speaks to the purpose not only of the church, but also for individuals. Let s see what Luke can teach us as we ask the question, what s the main thing. What s the main thing? Even though Luke doesn t tell us, we know that Jesus and His disciples were in Bethany. This small village located two miles from Jerusalem was the home of Jesus friends, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. 1

2 We know how much Jesus loved these folks. One of Jesus miracles involved the resurrection of Lazarus. Remember Jesus response to learning of his death. John tells us that Jesus wept. It makes perfect sense for Jesus and His disciples to visit this home. Jesus felt welcomed and loved within its walls. Even the disciples were comfortable with being with Jesus friends. What s the main thing? Luke records that Jesus was welcomed into the home by Martha. Martha was the perfect hostess. She cared for her guests. Because she truly cared, she sought to welcome Jesus and His disciples into her home. How did Martha welcome Jesus to her home? She sought to make everything perfect. It is difficult to welcome someone into your home. It requires days of preparation. Things must be cleaned and prepared. The vacuum will get a work out. Fresh towels will be needed. Guest rooms must be ready with clean sheets ready. The furniture will need dusting. Clutter must be defeated. Martha took all these tasks seriously. In fact, she worried herself almost sick. Martha s desire to have everything just right created stress. That stress led to her speaking to Jesus about Mary. The tasks would be made easier if only Mary would help. She could dust while Martha cooked. She could make the beds and Martha could put out the towels. Any task which needed to be completed would be easier if only Mary would help. Martha allowed the workload to overwhelm her. She went to Jesus for help. In reality, she wanted Jesus to correct Mary. Mary should have been helping. What is the main thing? Luke describes what Mary was doing. The text says, 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord s feet and listened to what he was saying. 2

3 It is hard for me to believe how grown up my children are today. On July 28, Andrew will turn 21. It seems only yesterday that he was little and I could carry him where he needed to go. Children are fleeting. The opportunities to listen to Jesus were limited. He only had a certain amount of time. That time was rapidly passing by the wayside. What is the main thing? Mary correctly identifies it. She was sitting at Jesus feet listening to what He had to say. I would love to trade places with Mary. I can only imagine what Jesus had to say. I can imagine soaking up all that He had to say. What is the main thing? Martha thought the main thing was making sure that the house and the meal were ready. She worried herself to the point of exhaustion to make everything perfect. Her desire for everything to be perfect had a sad effect. She wanted it so much that she asked Jesus to rebuke Mary and make her help. What is the main thing? Jesus helped Mary to understand. The text says, 41 But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her. What is the main thing? In this case, the main thing is listened to Jesus. Jesus tried to help Martha understand how important it was for Mary to sit and listen. I suspect Jesus wanted the same for Mary. If only she could put aside her anxiety and sit and listen to Jesus. What is the main thing? I ran an internet search on the phrase, what is the main thing? The variety of answers was amazing. I found everything from a song by that title to 3

4 observations about the main thing being everything from war to a deep funk soul group. I am not sure about that last one, but it was there. What is the main thing? Stephen Covey, a management expert, is the author of the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey says that, the main is to keep the main thing the main thing. What is the main thing? I suspect the London Transit Authority could learn a thing or two about the main thing. I also suspect that the church could learn some things from him as well. What is the main thing? Years ago, someone asked me to put into words my call to ministry. They wanted to know why I did what I did. My answer became not only my slogan, but also the slogan of my last two churches. What were the slogans? At Olney Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, NC, the slogan was Loving God by Serving People. A few weeks ago, we went back to celebrate the rededication of the sanctuary after some extensive modifications. They were still using that slogan. At Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, FL, the slogan was slightly different. Their slogan was Loving God by Serving Others. What is the main thing? The church exists to know Christ and make Him known. The church exists to fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus told His disciples to Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. What is the main thing? I am hopeful that we don t fall into the same trap. Many forget that they are the church. They begin to act like something else. Some are like 4

5 country clubs. Others are like welfare offices. Still others become like the park service. To quote Covey, the main is to keep the main thing the main thing. R. Shane Owens, D. Min. First Presbyterian Church Lancaster, SC 5

LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of. Luke. Lesson 30. Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42

LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of Luke Lesson 30 Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex Curriculum/Life of Christ/Gospel of Luke Created for use with young, unchurched learners