A Listening Ear
A Broken Heart
A Giving Spirit
Today's sermon explored the life of Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, through three encounters with Jesus found in Luke 10 and John 11-12. Her story reveals what it means to truly serve God—not through frantic activity, but through worship, surrender, and costly devotion. Mary teaches us that the best place to be is always at Jesus' feet, whether we're learning from Him, grieving with Him, or offering Him our most precious gifts. Her example challenges us to examine where we're placing our priorities and what we're willing to sacrifice for the One who gave everything for us.
Takeaways:
A Listening Ear: Like Mary, we need to choose the "good part" by sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His Word, even when life's demands pull us in every direction. Martha was distracted and overwhelmed, but Mary chose presence over productivity. God promises us peace when we remain steadfast in Him (Isaiah 26:3).
A Broken Heart: Jesus doesn't delay because He doesn't care—He delays because He has a greater plan. When Lazarus died, Mary fell at Jesus' feet in her grief, and Jesus wept with her. God's love for us is "Agape"—unconditional and unwavering, even when we don't understand His timing or His ways.
A Giving Spirit: Mary's costly gift of perfume worth a year's wages demonstrated true worship. She gave what was most precious to her because she understood who Jesus was and what He came to do. That which truly counts is always that which costs us something.
As we move forward this week, let's ask ourselves: Are we sitting at Jesus' feet regularly? Are we trusting His plan even in our pain? And what are we willing to give Him that actually costs us something?
To all the mothers reading this—thank you for your unwavering service, your sacrificial love, and your willingness to never give up. You reflect the heart of Christ in powerful ways.