Storytellers: Week 2
Our Storytellers series features several exciting guest teachers focusing on stories, practices, and testimonies of Biblical hospitality. This week we will hear from Megan Butler, the First Impressions Director here at St. Mark’s Community Church, as she speaks on Mary and Martha.
Read Luke 10:38-40. In Megan’s message, she says that Martha is like us – pressured by the world, overcommitting herself, and feeling like she has heavy expectations she has to fulfill. Do you feel pressured by the world and culture we live in today? How does it influence your daily life and to-do list?
What expectations do you have for others in your life and why? What expectations do you put on yourself and why?
How often do you find yourself playing the comparison game? Why do you think you fall into that trap?
Read Luke 10:41-42. Martha knew she was busy, but she also knew she was serving Jesus, which is good. Think of a time in your life when you were busy doing good things, yet you felt like something was missing. You wanted to slow down but you didn’t know how to. Tell your story and discuss it with others.
Jesus tells Martha that she’s unnecessarily worried and upset about many things, and that what Mary has chosen – quality time with Jesus – is the best choice. Megan asked in her message, “What if we focus on God inviting Martha to create a hospitable space for her soul?” Jesus also invites you to create a hospitable space for your soul to rest and spend time with him. Think of some ways you’d like to create time and space to spend time with Jesus. Then ask someone to hold you accountable for prioritizing this time.
As Jesus says in Luke 10:42, he would not take away time from Mary whenever she wanted to be with him. He says the same about you. He’s always wanting and waiting for you to accept his invitation to spend time with him each day. How can you spend time with him today?
