MONDAY

SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42

One of the things we noticed in last Sabbath’s study of the children of Israel building the sanctuary is that, while a structure was clearly under construction, what God was truly seeking to build was not the structure but the people building it. Often, what we build together is not an end in itself but a sign of something more fundamental that the structure points to.

Early in my ministry, a mentor once asked me to describe my church. I responded by describing the physical plant and the programs and events we were producing. He gently interrupted and said, “I was actually wanting to hear about your church. Please give me the names of three or four people, and tell me how they are growing in their walk with God.” It is good to remember what building a church really means.

Today’s Scripture passage is one of those mentor moments, when a rabbi helps two students refocus on what matters most. One is busy with the logistics of serving, the other is focused on why they are there. In the midst of our giftedness and desire to be productive, it is easy to lose sight of our primary focus.

As you sit with this passage today, consider the following:

• Which of the two women do you tend to identify with most? Why?

• As you reflect on the story, do you feel an impulse to defend or explain Martha’s behavior? Where might that impulse come from?

• It was not culturally appropriate for women to sit at the feet of a rabbi. What do you think about Jesus’ willingness to break that norm?

• As you listen to the conversation in the passage, in what ways do you hear Jesus building something in both Martha and Mary?

• In your conversation with Jesus in prayer, what do you think Jesus might be saying to you today? What might Jesus be wanting to build in you? Take a few moments to have that conversation.