Martha and Mary: Women of Devoted Service

By David Woods

Accountability: Have you had an opportunity to serve others in Christ's name recently?

Open: Have you ever had unexpected company? What happened?

Read Luke 10:38-42

We are not given the guest list for this supper. However, let us assume at the least those in attendance were Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Jesus and the Twelve Disciples - sixteen people.

Discussion: Let's plan a modest meal for sixteen people. What would it include? What supplies would you have to buy? How long would it take to prepare the meal? Would you be able to handle it on your own?

Discussion: Have you ever had a sibling or co-worker who didn't pull his/her fair share of the workload? What are some of the feelings you have felt toward such people?

Discussion: Was it right for Mary to abandon the work and sit at Jesus' feet? Why or why not?
(We should recognize the importance of deepening our relationship to God. However, we should also realize service is by no means unspiritual. Furthermore, failing to serve in the name of "growing closer to God" can be an unhealthy extreme. There is a balance between service and devotion that is essential. This question, hopefully, will prepare the student for the final conclusion.)

Discussion: The Greek word translated "cumbered" in verse 40 means to be "drug away" or "distracted." From what was Martha distracted? (ref. "Working with the Word", p. 64)

Discussion: Why did Martha appeal to Jesus to require Mary to help her?
(I would suggest she had lost control of the situation.)

Discussion: What are some of the factors that cause people to become ineffective in their area of service?

Our lesson tells us that the word "careful" in verse 41:

Occurs in a positive sense very seldom in the New Testament, although it is used at least twenty-five times. All three Gospel writers use this word when describing the effects of the thorny gournd on the life of the Christian. It is used repeatedly in Luke 12 where Jesus said that we are to "take no thought" of the things of life. And Peter used the same word in 1 Peter 5:7 when he urged the Christian to cast "all your care upon him."

("Working with the Word", p. 65)

Discussion: How does a proper "carefulness" devolve into overbearing worry?

Read John 11:21-29

Discussion: In verses twenty-one through twenty-four, what hope does Martha have for her brother?

Discussion: How would you characterize Martha's spirituality according to her statement in verse 27?

Read John 12:1-3

Discussion: Why do you think John tells us Martha was serving at this supper?
(I believe that this mention, in light of the previous story, shows us that serving in practical ways is not unspiritual. Indeed, serving God in practical ways is quite spiritual and needs to be encouraged. Rather, the lesson is that we must not neglect our relationship to Christ while serving in practical ways.)

The lesson we learn from Martha and Mary's story is this:

Big Idea: Deepening of devotion to Christ assures increased effectiveness in service.

Discussion: What are some ways people have allowed "serving God" to take the place of developing their relationship with Christ?

Discussion: How can we protect and strengthen our relationship with Christ while busy serving Him?

"The mission of the Church of God (Holiness) is to exalt Christ, equip the Church, and evangelize the world."

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