"Sitting at His Feet"
Ben Bailie
Luke 10:38-42

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

1. This famous episode follows the story of the Good Samaritan, which answered a question related to loving God and loving our neighbor. How might this story fit into that?
2. What are some of the things you notice about Martha in this story?
3. What are some things you notice about Mary?
4. Martha began with good intentions, but then got distracted and angry. In what ways can you relate to Martha?
5. Mary was sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to his word. What might have drawn Mary to do this?
6. Jesus said that Mary had chosen the “good portion.” In what way were two meals being served that day?
7. Ben Bailie pointed out that our sitting at the Lord’s feet is different than what Mary experienced. In what ways is it different for us? (Here are some hints, in case people can’t recall.):
8. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father.
9. His feet are pierced.
10. We have his lasting presence through the Holy Spirit
11. We have more than one teaching session, we have his very words in Scripture.
12. In what ways is Jesus “saving” Martha?
13. What is your takeaway from this passage?