Last week, Jesus expounded on the second great commandment – that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. But we often find, when we are trying to live out this command, that we get tired, disillusioned, frustrated, and sometimes angry at others – we try to carry on, but we are running on empty.
This week, we find the power to accomplish this challenging task, which is found when we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We learn this truth through the frustration of an overworked and burdened woman named Martha, the posture of her sister Mary, and the words of Jesus of encouragement and instruction and He calls us to listen and to pray. In this account, we discover the secret to serving like Martha while loving the Lord like Mary.
Do you want to love the Lord more? Then, sit at His feet and commune with Him in prayer, then you will find the power to serve others.
To help you with your study of this topic, we are also including the study questions prepared each week for our congregation. May the Lord use them, and the sermon, to be a blessing to you. You will find them, as well as a short prayer, directly below the audio link.
Running on Empty
Luke 10:38-11:4
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald
- Which commandment is Jesus helping us to keep through this section of Scripture?
- Discuss Mary’s posture and position. What does this say of Jesus’ view of women?
- Based on Martha’s example, how does service to the Lord become servitude? What relationships are compromised?
- Did Mary’s “good part” discount Martha’s?
- How can we sit at Jesus feet?
- What is significant of calling God our Father?
- How can we hollow His name? How can we share His kingdom?
- What is the significance of the word “daily?”
- Why is forgiveness a mark of true regeneration? Is there anyone you need to forgive?
- Where does temptation come from? What power does the Lord have over its power?
- How do we find the real power to prevail in our service? What priorities do you need to change?
God of justice, God of grace, when tragedy strikes, the magnitude of events oftentimes overshadow the reality of our own personal depravity. While we may try to hide it, deep in the recesses of our hearts, we know the truth of our own sin. While our own acts and thoughts may not appear as grievous when compared with those in the news, they are still heinous in Your sight, and they still cry out for our damnation. Yet, in Your justice, and in Your grace, You sent Your Son to pay the penalty we owed. Father, open our minds to the depth of Your grace. May the truth of what Jesus has done remain before our eyes. May that truth empower us to reach out to the lost and hurting souls with the comforting balm of the Gospel, as we enjoy Your presence, now and forever. Amen.
