1 Bible Study: Acts 9: 36-43 Department and Institution Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Code November 12, 2021 2 Bible Study: Acts 9: 36-43 PART A: Passage I focused on Acts 9: 36-43. Yes, I read both a formal translation KJV and a functional translation NIV. PART B: Similarities and Differences between a Formal Translation (KJV) and a Functional Translation (NIV) The formal translation I selected is the King James Version (KJV), while the functional translation I chose for reading is the New International Version (NIV). Comparing the two translation versions, there are correspondences as well as contrasting dissimilarities. With regard to the correspondences, both translations explicitly list the good-name woman, Tabitha, who subsisted in the city of Joppa. However, there is a vibrant difference between the translations in the logic that the NIV articulates her name was Tabitha, translated from the Greek name Dorcas. On the other hand, the King James Version does not specifically connote the language from which the name Tabitha is translated. Another well-defined correspondence is that both translations document that Peter kneeled down beside her and prayed. However, on close scrutiny, the New International Version parrots that when the disciples perceived that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him to tell him, “Please come at once!” This is not the case in the KJV that generalizes the statements alluding they wished that he would not delay in coming to where they were. PART C: Basic Elements of a Story in Acts 9: 36-43 Plot The main characters in the passage are Peter and Tabitha. Tabitha helped out the underprivileged through her altruistic endeavors. At some point, she fell ill and succumbed to death. Peter was in the vicinity, and they propelled two men to urge him to go to Tabitha's locale. When Peter arrived, they revealed to him all the items Dorcas had made by the 3 howling widows. Peter kneeled and prayed at her bedside and said and told the dead body to arise. Tabitha resurrected and was then presented to the disciples and widows. This made many turn to believers. Peter remained at Joppa with Simon, the tanner. Story Structure The plot structure of the story is well defined. The introduction is the mentioning of the benevolent actions of Tabitha. The inciting incident is when Tabitha becomes ill. The rising action of the story is the demise of Tabitha. The climax of the story is when the two disciples find Peter, begging him to go to Tabitha's locale, where he kneels down and pray and resurrects her. The falling action is the presentation of Tabitha to the saints and widows, and the resolution is the turning point for people to become believers following the scenario. PART D: Basic Observations 1. Who Tabitha was a woman who engaged in benevolent activities. The widows were the beneficiaries of the benevolent actions of Tabitha, while the disciples were her helpers and followers. The two men who fetched Peter were probably neighbors sent by the disciples who worked together with Tabitha. Peter was one of the first disciples of Jesus. Simon was a tanner in Joppa. Luke was the author of the story and wrote it to Theophilus. 2. What Tabitha helped out the disadvantaged by her humane actions. At some point, she fell ill and capitulated to death. Peter was in the neighborhood, and they impelled two men to convince him to go to Tabitha’s place. When Peter arrived, they revealed to him all the items Dorcas had made to the widows. Peter kneeled and prayed at her bedside and said and told the dead body to arise. Tabitha resurrected and was then presented to the disciples and widows. This made many turn to believers. Peter remained at Joppa with Simon, the tanner. 4 3. Where Lydda and Joppa were in Israel, outside Judea. Tabitha's house was in Joppa, while Peter was at Lydda before he was called to go to Tabitha's house. 4. When Acts were likely written around 62 AD. Peter raising Tabitha from the dead comes right after Saul encounters Jesus on the way to Damascus. Saul was saved, baptized, and began teaching the Word (Hindson & Towns, 2017). 5. Why? Tabitha passed away so that many people would be saved (Hindson & Towns, 2017). Because of her death and consequent resurgence, many people were saved and added to the church as new believers. Peter came to Joppa presumably to raise up Tabitha from the dead. 6. How When Tabitha had died, the widows cleansed her and took her to an upper compartment while they waited for Peter. That displayed abundant faith, for they did not know whether Peter would come on time, and the body could have begun to decay. 5 References Bible Gateway Passage: Acts 9:36-43 - new international version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A36-43&version=NIV. Hindson, E. E., & Towns, E. L. (2017). Illustrated bible survey: An introduction. B & H Academic. 1 Bible Study: Acts 9: 36-43 2 BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: INTERPRETATION TEMPLATE Passage: Acts 9:36-43 A The authors' message focuses on Peter's act of raising Tabitha, who Dorcas also recognized. Based on this point, the author intended to bring more clarity on how Peter was called to intervene in Tabitha's death which was a significant blow to the people of Joppa. Besides, Peter's arrival at the scene was the most critical issue in the passage. The people of Joppa highly regarded Tabitha that they accorded her with respect upon her demise by washing her dead body and placing it upstairs. Indeed, the miracle happened when they called for Peter, and he arrived at one in the scene. Hence, from this perspective, raising Tabitha immediately after being called by the disciples when they heard of his presence in the town. Additionally, the author implied that believing and revering to the Lord can make wonders happen. Here, Peter, through Jesus Christ, managed to raise Tabitha. His firm belief in God through the son Jesus Christ made Peter kneel on behalf of Tabitha. The act required total submission to Christ, thus kneeling and praying for the miraculous act. Human beings often doubt some of the miraculous happenings. Perhaps, the reason Peter sent disciples and widows out before beginning the prayer session. Telling Tabitha to get up and immediately open her eyes demonstrates the powerful belief he had for the woman's resurrection. B The principle is applicable in this case faith. Most Christians believe that faith can move mountains. This is linked to Peter's act of faith of kneeling on Tabitha's bedside and commanding her to wake up. It is only believers in Christ who can make such a move of commanding the dead. 3 C The principle of faith influenced several happenings in the bible. The widows and disciples believed that Peter could intervene over Tabitha's death. It is their faith that made them believe he could make a difference. Seery (2018) observed Jesus' resurrection at the tomb and how most people doubted his resurrection. Although God initiated Jesus' resurrection, it still denotes the act of faith. Those who were at the graveside the following day after the resurrection now came to believe that it was indeed God's plan to save his children from suffering by making His Son suffer on their behalf. Just like Peter, Jesus preached in most towns and got concerned whenever called by the locals. For instance, the act of raising Lazarus by Jesus Christ symbolized faith. The bible dictionaries also demonstrate the act of faith that can be linked to the above concept. An example is 1st Peter that indicates that healing requires faith (Seery, 2018). Hence, it is only believers who receive a miracle from Jesus Christ. From the concept, the widows and disciples believed that Peter could raise Tabitha through Jesus the Son of God. Therefore, the principle of faith makes individuals believe in the miraculous happenings of Jesus Christ. 4 References Seery, J. E. (2018). CHAPTER THREE. The Tomb. In Political Theory for Mortals (pp. 81-120). Cornell University Press. https://libguides.liberty.edu/c.php?g=564126&p=3884087 Book of Acts Student’s Name: Tutor’s Name: Course: Date Due: Book of Acts A The passage from Acts fits the metanarrative of the bible as it talks about God’s capabilities and his relationship with his believers. This passage is a redemption story. My reason for this is that Tabitha’s resurrection by Peter when she had passed away symbolized the redemption of the sinful nature of man and renewed faith through resurrection. It also symbolizes redemption that comes as a result of one’s good deeds. This instance strengthened the bond between God and his believers. Tabitha had undertaken a lot of good deeds in her life for the community and members of the community loved her for it. They cared for her, especially the widows, to the extent that they all wanted to help. Apart from healing, Peter was blessed with gifts from God to take care of his sheep and to prove to his followers that all things are possible with God’s love (Bauer 2021). This story gives hope to the widows and the community to not give up on the love of God, to create a bond and love with Christ and God. In addition, this story applies to modern day Christians as it shows how we can be redeemed of our sinful nature by our good deeds. B Love thy neighbor, is my principals and it has many supporting points from the bible. For example, Mathew 35-43 is among the most straight forward and specific statements. It reads “36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Mathew 35-43). This text shows that God gives compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and love for his followers as well as new believers and we should give it back (Bauer 2021). In addition, the principle stands for making the right decision irrespective of if the decision is popular or not. God’s words make it clear that we should show our love to our neighbors just like we show ourselves. Other scriptures that reiterate this point include John 15:12, Leviticus 19:18, Romans 13:8-10, Luke 6:27 and many others. The bible is generally about love, God’s love for us, our love for each other, and the love we have for him. C This passage shows Jesus Christ’s work in quite a simple way. From the scriptures and instances such as the disciples gaining the holy spirit, it is clear the presence of Jesus is felt even in the absence of his physical representation. This also applies to their works. The disciples and prophets represent God and Jesus in these cases. In the passage, God used Peter as a vessel to do his work. In the bible, the pinnacle for unconditional love is Jesus, for anyone and everyone. By bringing Tabitha back to life, Peter showed God’s act of love. It is evident that Tabitha’s community loved her just as much as God loved her, as they did everything possible to bring Peter to try and help her (Harris 2018). Tabitha is a physical representation of this principle as she did good deeds to the community and God returned the favor. This passage is a motivation to people to love one another as it clearly shows that by loving one another, many great things can be done and happen through Jesus Christ, miracles included. In addition, this passage also explains hope as a principle. The widows and the community at large did not lose hope when Tabitha passed on but had hope in God and Peter to resurrect her. Reference Bauer, D. R. (2021). The book of Acts as story: a narrative-critical study. Harris, S. E. (2018). On the Three Kinds of Resurrection of the Dead. International Journal of Systematic Theology, 20(1), 8-30. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209%3A36-43&version=NIV BIBL 104 Name: BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: APPLICATION TEMPLATE Passage: Acts 9:36-43 A. What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (150-300 words) in length. 1. The question of duty 2. The question of character 3. The question of goals 4. The question of discernment BIBL 104 Name: BIBL 104 – BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT: OBSERVATION Passage: Luke 10:38-42 I. Observation A. I have read Luke 10:38-42 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. (You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your WORDsearch Library. I would suggest the NASB, ESV, or CSB for your formal translation and the NLT for your functional translation. These four translations are available in your WORDsearch library.) o Yes o No B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount. a. Similarity – Both translations note that specifically Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary is not mentioned until after Martha has welcomed Jesus into her home. b. Similarity – Both translations pointedly state that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet” to listen to Jesus’ teaching. c. Similarity – In both the ESV and NLT, Martha commands Jesus to tell Mary to assist her in serving. Martha does not tell Mary directly. d. Similarity – Both translations recognize that the one “thing” (NLT) or “good portion” (ESV) that Mary has chosen “will not be taken away from her.” The translation is exactly the same for this specific phrase. e. Difference – The ESV doesn’t state where Jesus and his disciples (“they” in the ESV) were traveling when they stopped in Mary and Martha’s village, but the NLT notes that they were on their way to Jerusalem. f. Difference – The NLT says that Martha welcomes Jesus and all of his disciples into her home while the ESV translation states that Martha welcomed only Jesus into her house. BIBL 104 g. Difference – The ESV text recognizes that Martha was distracted with “much serving” while the NLT indicates that Martha was distracted by a big dinner that she was preparing. h. Difference – In the ESV, Jesus tells Martha that she is “anxious” and “troubled” about “many things.” In the NLT, Jesus says that Martha is “worried” and “upset” over “all these details.” Although these words are different, they indicate that Martha is preoccupied with her service. C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying 1. Main characters: (List them) Jesus, Mary, and Martha 2. Plot: (50-100 words) Jesus and his disciples stop at a village in the midst of their travels, and a woman named Martha welcomes them into her home. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teaching while Martha focuses on serving. Martha, thinking that it is unfair for her to work alone, commands Jesus to tell Mary to help her serve. Instead, Jesus tells Martha that she is worried and anxious about serving while Mary has made a good decision by sitting at the Lord’s feet. Jesus says the “good portion” that Mary chose will not be taken away from her. 3. Story structure: (50-100 words) Introduction: Jesus and his disciples enter a village, and a woman named Martha welcomes the men into her home. Inciting Incident: Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to hear his teaching. Rising Action: Martha’s service distracts her from the guests. Climax: Martha tells Jesus to make Mary help her with the work. Falling Action: Jesus recognizes that Martha’s work has troubled her and made her anxious when she should be focused on just one thing. Resolution: Jesus commends Mary for resting at his feet and spending time with him while Martha worked for him by completing acts of service. BIBL 104 D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation. Remember to consult the list of items from the observation section in studying the Gospels in Chapter 36. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” 1. Who: • • • • • • Luke (author) Theophilus and other Gentiles with largely Greek backgrounds (audience) o “The conclusion is that Luke’s primary recipient (Theophilus), and others beyond him, were Gentiles with largely Greek backgrounds (Hindson and Towns, p. 373). Mary Martha Jesus Jesus’ disciples (traveling with Jesus – not main characters in this story) 2. What: Jesus and his disciples visit Mary and Martha’s village in the midst of their travel. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her house. She shows hospitality in her willingness to serve Jesus and his disciples. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to hear his teaching. Her posture before Jesus is one of awe; she humbles herself before him as she sits on the ground, attentively listening. This indicates that Mary recognizes Jesus’ unending wisdom. She eagerly submits to his teaching. Martha’s service distracted her from being at Jesus’ feet with Mary. Martha had good intentions as she aimed to serve Jesus and his disciples, but her work became overly important to her. Martha told Jesus to instruct Mary to work with her, but Jesus insisted that Mary made a good choice by sitting at his feet and listening to his teaching. Martha believed she was in the right for working so hard. While Martha aimed to serve Jesus, he indicated that Mary made a better decision by being in his presence instead of worrying about her service for him. Jesus says that Mary’s “good portion,” or her time spent at Jesus’ feet, will never be taken away from her. 3. Where: • • The region of Judea. Mary and Martha’s village – the village of Bethany (near Jerusalem). BIBL 104 • o John 11:1 says, “Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha” (ESV). Martha’s house. 4. When: • • The story takes place during Jesus’ lifetime, specifically during his earthly ministry (between A.D. 29 and A.D. 33). Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha occurs just after he teaches the parable of the Good Samaritan. After the story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10, chapter 11 begins when Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer. 5. Why: • • • Why did Jesus visit Mary and Martha? o John 11:5 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (ESV). o This Scripture indicates that Jesus knew Mary and Martha and loved them. Whether to rest in the midst of travel or simply visit the sisters, Jesus visits the village of Bethany, and the story takes place as Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her home. Why did Mary sit at Jesus’ feet? o Mary’s position demonstrates her eagerness to listen to Jesus. She assuredly understood his authority and sat humbly before him in order to learn from his teaching. Why did Martha get distracted with serving? o It seems that Martha acted with good intentions. She did not serve Jesus in order to win his praise; rather, she hoped to demonstrate kindness toward Jesus and honor him. o However, Martha let her work trouble her. Her service for Jesus became more important to her than spending time with Jesus. 6. How: • • • How did Martha serve Jesus and his disciples? o Martha first served Jesus and his disciples by welcoming them into her home. o The NLT says that Martha prepared a meal for Jesus and his disciples. Meal preparation distracted Martha from sitting at Jesus’ feet like Mary. How did Martha confront Jesus? o Martha believed that it was unfair for her to serve alone. She told Jesus to make Mary help her with the work. How did Jesus respond to Martha? BIBL 104 o Jesus responded to Martha with loving correction. He understood Martha’s intentions, but he helped her recognize that her work had begun to trouble her and make her anxious. o He shifted Martha’s perspective, detailing the eternal value of Mary’s intentional, personal listening. II. Interpretation A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember to take into consideration that this passage includes a conversation that Jesus has with Martha. Thus, this passage is both showing and telling us something. This passage reveals the anxiety that results from improper priorities. Martha shows hospitality to Jesus and his disciples by welcoming them into her house, and she promptly busies herself with serving. It is important to note that this passage does not devalue service. In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus says, “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (ESV). To conclude that the story of Mary and Martha discounts the importance of service contradicts Jesus’ own teaching. Rather, the passage demonstrates the fault in Martha’s disproportionate desires. Martha makes serving Jesus more important than sitting at his feet and listening to his teaching. Her misplaced priorities distract her and fill her with anxiety. Jesus rebukes Martha’s anxious attitude, reorienting her desires by applauding Mary’s willingness to rest at his feet. Jesus explicitly tells Martha not to be worried or upset, insisting that only one thing matters—resting in his presence. Additionally, he subtly shows Martha that her anxiety stems from improper priorities; she made her work for Jesus more important than spending time with Jesus. Jesus also reveals the eternal value of resting in his presence. In Luke 10:42, Jesus says, “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (ESV, emphasis added). Martha’s service will end. Jesus and his disciples will eventually leave the village of Bethany; however, Jesus notes that Mary’s portion will never be taken away from her. The spiritual transformation that comes from being in the presence of Jesus and learning from him will not fade away. B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. Jesus commends service and hospitality, but he warns against making service more important than simply being in his presence. Anxiety results from improper priorities while resting in the presence of Jesus and listening to his teaching produces spiritual transformation that will not be taken away. BIBL 104 C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle that you believe the passage is teaching. In your WORDsearch library you have access to the following resources that could help here: The HCSB Study Bible, The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, or Mathew Henry’s Concise Commentary. Be sure to quote from and cite the resource you are using for support. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary further clarifies the actions of Mary and Martha. The author states, “Luke 10:38-42 contrasts Martha’s activist discipleship with Mary’s contemplative discipleship. The church cannot minister without ‘Marthas’ who are willing to serve alone. Jesus’ gentle rebuke serves as a perpetual reminder not to major on minor matters. Jesus must not be neglected in the name of service” (Butler). Martha possesses misplaced priorities. She has good intentions as she strives to serve Jesus, but she misses an invaluable opportunity to sit at his feet and learn from him. However, this is the position that Mary takes as she stays at the feet of Jesus in order to listen and learn from him. Being at Jesus’ feet is something we see frequently in the character of Mary. Later on, in the Gospel of John (John 11:32), she will once again fall at Jesus’ feet when he arrives in Bethany in order to raise Lazarus from the dead. Her approach in this story is also different than Martha’s approach who does not fall at the feet of Jesus. III. Correlation A. How does this passage from Luke’s Gospel fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be at least 1 paragraph in length. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 resembles the redemptive theme of the Bible’s metanarrative. Mary and Martha each act differently in the presence of Jesus. Martha wants to honor Jesus and demonstrate her love for him through acts of service; however, work distracts her from resting in Jesus’ presence. After hearing Martha’s complaint and request for Mary’s aid in service, Jesus reminds Martha that “one thing is necessary” (v. 42). Jesus uses Mary as an example, noting that she has chosen “the good portion” (v. 42) by sitting at his feet. These contrasting responses to Jesus typify the redemptive nature of the Bible. The redemptive act of the metanarrative occurs ultimately in the sinless life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Through his work on the cross, Jesus breaks the curse of sin and offers salvation to those who trust in Him. Thus, redemption does not depend on the faithfulness and good works of humanity. Rather, redemption rests in the perfect faithfulness of Christ. In this story, Jesus denies the need for Martha to please him with her good works and service. He recognizes Mary’s exemplary response to his presence – humility and rest at his feet. BIBL 104 B. How does your principle from Luke 10:38-42 fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this New Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be at least 1 paragraph in length. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus recognizes Martha’s anxiety, warning her not to make duty more important than God Himself. A similar truth appears in Matthew 12. On the Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples pluck grain to eat, and the Pharisees accuse the disciples of breaking the Law. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees in Matthew 12:5-8, saying, “Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath” (ESV). Jesus references Hosea 6:6, which reads, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Jesus uses Hosea’s writings to reorient the Pharisees’ priorities, insisting that intimacy with God is more important than Sabbath observance and service of the law. Similarly, Jesus teaches Martha not to let service distract her from sitting at his feet like Mary, who showed Jesus “steadfast love” and grew in “knowledge of God” as she listened to his teaching. C. How does this passage from Luke’s Gospel reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this passage identifies something of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be at least 1 paragraph in length. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 reflects the salvific work of Jesus Christ. Martha focuses on service, and she becomes anxious and troubled; however, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teaching, warranting Jesus’ commendation. This tension between work and rest translates to the act of redemption in the Bible’s metanarrative. Martha’s anxiety stemming from extensive focus on her works reflects the futility of attempting to earn salvation. In contrast, Mary’s humble rest at Jesus’ feet relates to the posture of trust in the sufficiency of Christ that leads to salvation. It is impossible for sinful humans to work their way to God with good deeds and acts of service. Salvation rests in the faithfulness of Christ, not the faithfulness of humanity. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (ESV). This passage insists that salvation is not accomplished through humanity’s works; rather, it is a gift from God that comes through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. BIBL 104 IV. Application What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be at least 1 paragraph in length. A. The question of duty In Luke 10:38-42, Martha exemplified the danger of duty-driven service. The same obsession with accomplishments and “getting things done” that took Martha’s eyes off of Jesus pervades today’s culture. In obedient response to the message of this story, a Christian should fight the competitive, productivity-based tendencies of the human heart. Attempting to find satisfaction in her own accomplishments, Martha made serving Jesus more important than being in communion with the Lord himself. Her misplaced priorities failed to provide rest or peace; instead, Martha felt anxious. She even acted impatiently towards Mary, who wisely rejected a duty-driven mentality. Mary fought Martha’s obsession with productivity, and she allowed Jesus to teach her. Likewise, Christians today must prioritize rest in the presence of Jesus, giving God opportunities to speak through His Word. To a worldly culture that glorifies efficiency, setting aside time to pray, study Scripture, worship, and simply rest in the presence of God seems awfully wasteful. Regardless, Christians must labor counterculturally, finding time to rest and enjoy the riches of God’s mercy and love. Service completed out of obligation leads to dissatisfaction while love-driven service will result from intimately knowing the One who offers unending peace, grace, and joy. B. The question of character This story challenges Christians to possess peace and rest in the place of anxiety. Jesus did not reject Martha’s desire to serve; rather, he disapproved of her anxiety and worry. He contrasted Martha with Mary, who found peace as she sat at the Lord’s feet to hear his teaching. Jesus’ rejection of anxiety appears prevalently throughout Scripture. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus instructed his followers not to be anxious about their lives and called them to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (v. 33a ESV). Likewise, the apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Philippi: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 ESV). Jesus and the apostle Paul insisted that rest should trump worldly obligations as Christians cultivate intimacy with God. In the sanctifying work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, Christians will cultivate peace and rest. The chains of duty that troubled Martha will progressively fall off through the work of the Holy Spirit. Christians will learn to rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, and peace will rule their hearts. C. The question of goals The message of Luke 10:38-42 indicates that prioritizing rest in God’s presence will reorient Christians’ desires and motivate genuinely loving service. Jesus did not disregard service entirely, for doing so would have contradicted his other teachings (e.g. Mark 10:43-45). Rather, Jesus devalued duty-driven service that attempted to earn satisfaction based on works. BIBL 104 He rejected Martha’s anxiety that resulted from a fixation with productivity. In contrast, Jesus commended Mary for maintaining proper priorities as she sat before the Lord humbly. Learning from this passage, Christians should prioritize communion with God: learning from Him and resting in His presence. As Christians spend time with God and learn how much their Heavenly Father loves them, genuine service will result. Christians will serve with selfless love; they will not serve out of obligation in order to earn God’s affection or approval. In the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the author writes, “Jesus’ gentle rebuke serves as a perpetual reminder not to major on minor matters. Jesus must not be neglected in the name of service” (Butler). Ultimately, the passage challenges Christians to evaluate their goals, motivating them to prioritize communion with God and serve only with the genuine love that comes from doing so. D. The question of discernment In Mark 10:43b-45, Jesus says, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (ESV). Meanwhile, in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus challenged Martha’s obsession with service. Juxtaposed, the two passages demonstrate that Jesus calls us to glorify the Lord both through service and rest in His presence; however, Jesus does not give Christians a rulebook to follow as they strive to obey both commands. Thus, discernment as it relates to the story of Mary and Martha involves learning when to work and when to rest. Likewise, the passage teaches Christians that discernment often deals with their motivations for obedience. Jesus did not condemn Martha for serving – He disapproved of the anxiety that resulted when Martha made productivity her first priority. As Christians aim to see the world as God sees it, they begin to evaluate their motivations and learn how to balance service and rest, buoyed by the grace of God as the Holy Spirit sanctifies them. Bibliography BIBL 104 Hindson, Ed and Elmer L. Towns. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2017. Butler, Trent C. “Martha.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England, Steve Bond, and E. Ray Clendenen. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003.
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