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REST ASSURED
Luke 10:38-42 (NLT) 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
- This is the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus – family friends of Jesus
Look at how Luke contrasts Mary and Martha in this story
39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.
The word “sat” literally means to “settle in” or “dwell”
She’s resting
Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to receive his teaching, the posture of a disciple, a man’s place.
One commentator I read said,
Mary had done her share of the work in the kitchen and then had gone to “feed” on the Lord’s teachings.
> So, what if Mary did help, but prioritized resting with Jesus over perfection?
Our insistence on perfection will rob us of our rest
And for many of us, that is why we’re tired
• Your life has to look a certain way
-it is OK for things to just be OK!-
Few things in life will tire you out more than working on perfection only to find that it doesn’t exist where you thought it would
Can I suggest that some of you need to take her lead?
To leave that thing behind and reflect on Jesus perfection instead
Then Martha comes out from the kitchen… probably flour on her apron, rolling pin in hand, hair pulled up, licking a spoon 🙂
40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
Now, before we go off on Martha here, realize that she is the get it done girl
But it seems like she was more about doing what was EXPECTED of her than being with her guest of honor
Trying to live up to others’ expectations is why some of you are exhausted right now
You are so concerned with others’ expectations, that you completely forget to sit with Jesus and consider what he expects
And so instead, we pretend to be someone we’re not
But at the feet of Jesus we learn that we’re OK just the way we are
>So Martha does her duty. She prepares dinner. She offers hospitality. Mary, on the other hand, isn’t
From Martha’s perspective, Mary is neglecting her rightful responsibilities, and Martha is paying the price.
>But Martha’s real problem wasn’t Mary (b/c Jesus is commending Mary); it was Martha. She had become distracted and had taken her eyes off Jesus.
She’s become offended
That’s some of our stories today… you’re offended so easy and it’s wearing you out
>Jesus responds to Martha so gracefully
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Some of us are tired because our priorities are way out of order
They have been for a long time
Martha is missing an amazing opportunity to be with Jesus for the sake of the kitchen
Once again, it’s not that the kitchen wasn’t important – food was BIG in this culture
>In Matthew 11, Jesus gives a special invitation for those of us that are tired
What I don’t want you to hear:
Being tired means you don’t love Jesus
I’m not saying that
I’m saying that Jesus is the only place to rest assured
>He knew you’d be tired when he said…
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
The terms “weary” and “burdened” in this verse describe hard labor.
Jesus was saying, “I, myself (in who I am), in relationship will lead you into rest.”
“Rest” did not refer to just inactivity, but to a time of refreshment and spiritual renewing
• God places a high priority on rest because it’s his way of refueling you
TO REST ASSURED, PLAN REST
Jesus keeps talking in Matt 11
Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
TO REST ASSURED, PRIORITIZE YOUR LIFE
TO REST ASSURED, HUMBLE YOURSELF
Some of us are weary because we aren’t humble IN HEART. – we think it depends on us
He wants you to know today that it’s gonna be OK.
REST ASSURED!
Maybe it’s time to tell him and sit at his feet
Quiet your mind and listen carefully
- Take a deep breath in
- Hold it
- Now breathe out
- As we just read – Jesus says, in Matthew chapter 11
- Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest
Jesus didn’t say you might find rest
Or that somehow, you’ll find rest as you get everything perfect
He said come to me and I will give you rest
- I will give you rest
It’s a promise
He goes on to tell us that he is gentle
- And that in him our very souls will find rest
Breathe in
Hold
Breathe out
You can take Jesus at his word
You can choose to take all your cares and worries
- Anxiety and pain
- Habits and hurts
- insecurities and insufficiencies
- And give them to Jesus
Are you restless?
Are you weary and worn out?
- Could right now be a little taste of the rest he has for you?
Remember that Jesus is patiently waiting for you to come to him… not just in a church service but any time