Extraordinary Women the Bible 56 of 56 Although they were sisters, Mary and Martha had very different personalities; therefore, it is not surprising that these sisters had some irritations and disputes because of those differences. Even though Mary and Martha had these distinct personalities, they were bound together because of their common faith and love for Jesus. As we look at these two extraordinary women of faith, ask God what He would have you learn from their lives that you can apply to yours.
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 57 Read Luke 10:38 42. 1. What was Martha s response to Jesus arrival at her house? a. What did Mary do when Jesus came to visit? b. What did Martha do when Jesus came to visit? 2. By what was Martha worried and upset? a. What did she do about it?
Extraordinary Women the Bible 58 of 58 b. How did Jesus respond to Martha? c. Do you think Jesus response is what Martha expected? 3. Martha was a worrier; she was anxious. What does Matthew 6:27 34 tell us about worry? PERSONAL: There are times when we too can become worried and upset by circumstances we feel helpless to change. Read Philippians 4:4 9. What are some things you can do to change your mindset when you become worried and upset?
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 59 4. Martha asked Jesus a question that many ask when things do not go as expected. She asked, Lord, do you not care? What does 1 Peter 5:7 instruct us? 5. What is that good part Mary had chosen that could not be taken away from her? a. Do you have a heart like Mary s, which loves to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear from Him? Or are you more like Martha preoccupied and distracted by other things? b. Even though Jesus is not physically sitting in front of us as He was in Mary s house, how can we sit at His feet?
Extraordinary Women the Bible 60 of 60 Read John 11:1 44 6. Briefly describe what happens in verses 1 16. 7. Where did Mary and Martha turn first when the crisis arose? a. Is that your initial reaction when trouble comes your way? b. How do the following verses minister to you as you consider where to turn in a crisis? Psalm 121:1 2 Jeremiah 32:17
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 61 Philippians 4:13 8. Why did Jesus not go to Lazarus immediately when He found out Lazarus was sick? PERSONAL: We often ask Where is God? or God, don t You care? when going through times of intense trial and hardship. What would you say in response to these questions to someone who has called on Jesus for help and does not seem to be getting an answer or not getting the answer they want or expect? 9. What did Jesus find when He arrived in Bethany?
Extraordinary Women the Bible 62 of 62 10. Compare the reactions of Martha and Mary when Jesus did arrive. a. Both sisters agreed that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus death. Do you think either one ever entertained the idea that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead? 11. Why do you think Jesus wept? (John 11:35) 12. Going back to John 11:4, describe how God used this terrible tragedy and worked things for good. In other words, what good came from this situation?
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 63 Read John 12:1 8 13. Describe the setting of the narrative we read about in these verses. Explain the occasion that brought Jesus to this place. a. What do we see Martha doing in this setting? b. What do we find Mary doing? 14. What motivated Judas objection to Mary s extravagant act of worship?
Extraordinary Women the Bible 64 of 64 a. What was Jesus reaction to Judas objection? PERSONAL: Mary expressed her love for Jesus by an extravagant display of worship. She poured out ointment worth a year s wages and anointed Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair. Mary s gift showed a love and appreciation for Jesus that we would do well to imitate. For Mary, nothing was too good for Jesus. Is there anything in this world that is so precious to you that you would withhold it from Jesus? Or something you would not give up for Jesus? (e.g., a relationship, a child moving to Africa to do missions work, a job, an addiction ) In what ways can we show extravagant devotion to Jesus? 15. After studying these two women of faith, how would you describe Martha s Personality
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 65 Priorities Faith Strong points Weak points How would you describe Mary s Personality Priorities
Extraordinary Women the Bible 66 of 66 Faith Strong points Weak points 16. Would you say you identify more with Martha or with Mary in the way you handle life s pressures and trials? PERSONAL: Mary and Martha were so very different, yet they were each able to love and serve Jesus in their own way. How does that encourage you in your walk with the Lord? Are you serving Him in some capacity? If so, be faithful to your calling and commitments. If you are not currently serving, where and how might you begin serving the Lord today?
Lesson 4 Mary & Martha 67 CHALLENGE: What one thing was most memorable from the lives of Mary and Martha, and why is it significant to you? How do you think God would like to use this in your life? Choose one verse from those covered in this study and memorize it.
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