Just One Thing - Luke 10:38-42

<p>Introduction</p><p>I find it interesting to note that we seem to learn more about Jesus in times of conflict and trials and struggles than when everything runs smoothly? In a sense that is comforting and even encouraging to know that in my trials, Jesus is there to help us through our own difficulties, and prepare us for the future. This appears to be true in the follow up encounter that Jesus has after his conversation with the hostile lawyer.</p><p>Read Text</p><p>An interesting comparison between the lawyer who tries to test Jesus and the devotion of Mary. Indeed there are similarities between Martha and the lawyer.  The conflict in this passage which confronts Jesus has to do with a difference in understanding the culture of hospitality: Focus on, pay attention to the guest.</p><ol><li>Martha sees the scope of the task to care for Jesus, (and his entourage).  It’s a big deal, not just one guest, but many to feed and show hospitality to.  Her understanding of hospitality is to meet her perception of the needs of the guest. (Her assumption was to meet physical needs:  Food, lodging, etc. remember, a couple may have already visited this home earlier, so they knew what to expect)</li><li>Leads to her being overworked </li><li>Critical attitude towards her sister who ought to help, but appears to be lazy</li><li>Asks Jesus to interfere with a family dispute</li><li>Mary ought to know her place as a “woman”, </li><li>Who else will do the work?<br />By asking Jesus, the guest to intervene, she breaks ne of the main cultural rules of hospitality</li><li>Mary perceives that Jesus is a prophet.  A prophet brings God’s Word, so she perceives that his need is to speak the Words of God to those who will receive it. </li><li>She places Jesus in a position of authority, “sitting at his feet”.</li><li>Wish we knew what he said to her and those who are also listening. </li><li>Mary is teachable, keen to understand, not hostile and not distracted from promoting the guest from doing what he came to do- bring the Word.</li><l