“Friend, Sit with Me Awhile”
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on August 13, 2019 in Luke 10:38-42
Sermon for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost August 11, 2019
Text: Luke 10:38-42 ILCW Series C 19:2145
Theme: “Friend, Sit with Me Awhile”
Outside the city walls, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho dips down to cross a ravine and little stream. Then it climbs up and up, through olive groves and date palms, to cross the Mount of Olives. Around a bend and on the far side of the mountain the road passes through a tiny village called Bethany. Nothing stands out about the town, just a few dusty streets, white-walled houses, and even a quiet cemetery that one day would become famous. Along a dusty street in one of those white-walled houses lived two sisters and a brother – Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
As far as we are told in the Scriptures, God had not sent a husband to either of the women, nor a wife to their brother. There were no happy children’s shouts in their home. But, as if to take the place of children God had not given them, there was plenty of family love among the siblings in the house of which Martha seems to have been the owner and manager.
I suppose they had all prayed for a spouse and children. Certainly, Jewish women of the day would, for to not have children was a sorrowful disappointment to devout Jewish believers looking for the coming Messiah. But the Lord answered their desperate prayers in His own loving way. He sent them a gracious gift instead of a spouse that He denied them.
That gift was a special friend, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee, the One whom God gave to redeem His people from sin. Many times when He would come through Jerusalem, Jesus would stay at their house. They would listen to the wonderful words He would speak and invite friends to join them. They gave Him the best food and lodging they could, served with plenty of love.
And so there grew a beautiful friendship between Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus. The Savior filled to overflowing the empty places in their hearts, and they in turn welcomed the Christ into the warm circle of their home.
Of course, as much as they loved each other, Mary and Martha were not perfect. They did not always agree or think the same. They had sinful hearts, just as you and I do.
Martha was a particular housekeeper and hostess. For a special guest like Jesus, she wanted everything to be just so. When Jesus arrived she rushed about, distracted by the many ways she desired to serve Him. So many things to do and so little time to get them done!
Mary, quite differently, was so happy to see, and more, to hear Jesus teach that after a time she quite forgot the work there was to do. Instead, she melted away from helping her sister to quietly sit at Jesus’ feet – a student’s position to the Master – drawing ever closer to hear each Word of God that He spoke.
As she rushed from one task to another, bothered by all the work, Martha grew irritated, then indignant that her sister sat with idle hands at Jesus’ feet. Angry she was. Was she upset at Jesus, too, because He said nothing about Mary’s lack of service to Him and need to help her sister with all the work? Surely, He saw it Martha’s way! “Lord,” she said, “is it of no concern to you that my sister has left me alone to serve (You)? So, tell her to come to help me.”
An interesting way to address the Savior, don’t you think? I wonder what wrong human thoughts went through her head. Gently Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are double-minded and disturbed about many things! But one thing is necessary. Mary has elected the good part which shall not be taken away from her.”
In her humanness, Martha found this hard to understand. After all, in her mind what she was doing was serving the Lord. Houses must be clean and in order; a meal must be prepared! But note, Martha did not talk back to Jesus who gently rebuked her.
For what did He rebuke her? For her busy-ness? For her irritation at both Mary and Him? For her double-mindedness in contrast to Mary’s singular focus? For her lack of dedication to hearing the Word? For her attempt to cut Mary off from Jesus’ teaching? Personally, that’s what I think. But there are many things that were churning within Martha.
Did Martha walk away disappointed because Jesus didn’t support her and rebuke Mary? Was she stunned at Jesus’ gentle rebuke coming her way and not Mary’s? Did she follow his implied gracious invitation and take a load off her heart to sit with Him awhile?
I can’t say for sure what she did. The Scriptures don’t tell us her thoughts or response. Perhaps because in many ways this is not about Martha. It’s about me and you. How do we respond to the Savior who lovingly wants to draw us to Himself and His words of life?
Do we tend to think and say things within ourselves like: “Well, Lord, I am serving you in different ways with my hands. I’m not just sitting around!” “Lord, someone has to do the grunt work and they aren’t doing it!” “Lord, it’s all well and good what You have to say, but I don’t have time right now!” And how many hundreds of other excuses do we give instead of stopping what we think is important and becoming single-minded in giving our attention to the Savior and His Word? Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve as He gave His life a ransom for many” (Mt.20:28).
There is only one means of grace that produces genuine, joyful, and abundant fruits of faith. And it does not stem from what we do. It is the good news from Jesus in Word and sacraments that lighten our lives with His redeeming work. It’s Christ’s love that spurs us on (2Co.5:14). What does that say when we, like Martha, are so busy with what we think is important that we neglect the best thing of all?
Yes, we are all very busy with many important things. And often we are serving Jesus! So was Martha. And lest Martha suffer undue abuse at our hands, she warmly welcomed Jesus and probably the Twelve also into her home. That’s a lot of people to take care of – which she did gladly. Her faith was evident as she provided a place to stay for Jesus who had no place of his own to lay his head (Lk.9:58). But when such fruits of faith are not nurtured on what alone produces them, God’s Word, they quickly morph into something else! What began in Martha as a fruit of faith, spiraled quickly into burdensome distraction and sisterly upset.
“Martha, Martha,” Jesus would say. “You are being dragged away by many things that are causing you to be anxious and troubled. Friend, sit with Me awhile and your heart will find rest in the one thing needed. Then the time will come – and the strength will be there – to finish the service for me that you lovingly began. My dear friend, redeemed in my blood, sit with Me!”
The Savior sees you, He sees me, often so anxious about many things. Yes, He knows they are important things. Many times they are things He has given, even called us to do.
But as His words to Martha convict our hearts, hear more than a rebuke! Hear in His words a gracious, loving invitation! “Dear brother, dear sister, I see that you are often anxious and bothered by many things. Yes, I know, I’ve entrusted you with many things to be and to do. I am delighted that you are eager and active in my work. But sin lies at your door, and you will soon lose the strength to serve me with joy if you forget that those important things come second after the one thing needful – the promise of forgiveness and life through me. That is the gospel. So Friend, Sit with Me Awhile.”
Dear friends in Christ, try this the next time you are frustrated with people and all the things you have to do. Try this when you are
wont to complain about others and that which you feel they are not doing. Stop. Just stop. Sit awhile with Jesus and His Word. There, you will find forgiveness, life, and salvation. There you will find faith, hope, love, and a renewed spirit to carry on. Forget all other things. Sit awhile with Jesus who promises, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. 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” (Mt.11:28f). Friend, Sit with Me Awhile.” God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
(Member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com You can find us also on facebook
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
W August 11, 2019 W
“Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He said.” Luke 10:39
F o r O u r V i s i t o r s
We extend a warm and sincere welcome in our Savior’s name. Please sign our guest book, located to the right just outside the sanctuary. If you desire more information about Zion Lutheran Church or are in need of spiritual guidance, please call upon our pastor at any time. We are delighted to have you join us today and invite you to return soon.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
“How blessed are those who are blameless in their way, who walk in the law of the LORD. How blessed are those who guard his testimonies. With all their hearts they seek Him. They walk in His ways” (Psalm 119 A).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Speak, Lord, I’m Listening. Life in the Lord begins, continues, and ends with His Word. So, there is nothing more important for us to do than to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words of life. We have two examples of that in our lessons this morning.
With hearts full of faith, Abraham and Mary listened to what their Savior had to say. He considered their attention to His words the greatest service that each could offer. Paul also considered the preaching and hearing of the Word to be the greatest service to God that any believer can render.
So may it always be with us. Our highest and holiest service to God begins by listening and then proclaiming the Word of salvation that Christ Jesus has prepared for us.
To that end we pray: Grant us, Lord, the spirit to hear, think, and do what is right that we, who cannot do anything that is good without You, may by Your help be enabled to live according to Your will, for Jesus’ sake we ask this. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
The Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 18:1-14
Abraham showed great respect for three heavenly visitors who passed by his way. He listened closely to their words and believed the promise of a son to be born to him and his wife Sarah in their old age. But Sarah laughed when she heard the words of the visitors.
The Epistle Lesson: Colossians 1:21-29
Once we were strangers to God, alienated from Him by sin. But Christ cleansed us and brought us close to God. It is a mystery to human reason why and how God would do this. Nevertheless, He did and Paul, even though imprisoned, rejoiced to proclaim this Gospel.
The Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:38-42
When Jesus came to eat at Martha and Mary’s house, Mary made the better choice than her sister. While Martha was worried and busied herself with other things, Mary took the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet to hear His words of life.
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The Week in Review:
Sunday’s Worship Attendance: 31; Bible Class: 18; Sunday School: 3; Communed: 26; The Gardens Bible Class: 5; Midweek Bible Class: 9;
Sunday Offering: $1,970.
We Serve the Lord with Gladness:
Today’s Organist: Jane Rips
Today’s Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
August’s Ushers: Jim Inniger, Matt Luetke, & Roger Lisenby
One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure Teach me highly to regard.
All else though, it first give pleasure, Is a yoke that presses hard.
Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,
No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.
This one thing is needful; all others are vain —
I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain.
(Christian Worship #290 st.1)
Outline of Our Worship
Lord, Hear Us
Opening Thoughts on the Service
Entrance Hymn: #255
Order of Worship:
Hymnal page 38, “Service of the Word”
Lord, Feed Us
Genesis 18:1-14
Psalm of the Day: Hymn #119a, Hymnal page 109
Colossians 1:21-29
Hymn Response: insert #735
Luke 10:38-42
Sermon Hymn: #290
Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42
Friend, Sit with Me Awhile
Lord, Accept Our Response
Apostles’ Creed: pg.41
Offering
Prayers & The Lord’s Prayer. pg.43
Hymn: #293
Lord, Bless Us
Closing Prayer & Blessing: Hymnal pages 43-44
Silent Prayer
WELS Connection Video
C a l e n d a r & A n n o u n c e m e n t s f o r Z i o n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
Today August 11 Pentecost 9
9:00 am Divine Worship Service
10:15 am Bible study for all ages
Monday August 12
Tuesday August 13
10 am Gardens Bible Study
Choir is recessed
7:30 pm Church Council
Wednesday August 14
Thursday August 15
11 am Midweek Bible Class
Friday August 16
Saturday August 17
Next Sunday August 18 Pentecost 10
9:00 am Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion
10:15 am Bible study for all ages
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
When people are sick, doctors will sometimes tell their patients that they need to put on some weight; their body needs proper, daily nourishment. That’s true also for our souls! Even after we become Christians through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, our faith-life is still sick with sin; it needs constant and proper nourishment! And how is our faith-life nourished and nurtured? Only through hearing God’s gospel promises in Word and Sacrament (Romans 10:17).
The Gospel Lesson (Luke 10:38-42)
1. When Jesus came to visit their home, with what did Mary and Martha busy themselves, respectively?
2. According to Jesus, which sister made better use of her time?
3. True or false: Jesus is suggesting that work is a waste of our time.
Prayer/Sick List Those We Remember In Our Prayers Bill Seutter; Emily Keeton; Geri Woessner; Erma Yancey; Eryn Chaffin at Barnes Parkview Towers Hospital, St. Louis; Lou Schulz; Gail Stuesser.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, August 13 – Monthly Church Council Meeting at 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 21 – Zion Neighborhood Picnic (Look for upcoming notices for special planning meetings)
Monday-Tuesday, September 23-24 – Southern Conference Pastors’ Study Conference at Dardenne Prairie, MO
Forward in Christ’s latest edition for the month of August has arrived. Copies for family and friends can be found on a table in the narthex. Also, Meditations next series of daily devotions, beginning September 1, will be found there.
Point to Ponder Throughout the Week
“In her eagerness to serve and honor Jesus with all that her house afforded, Martha took it for granted that Jesus thought as she did. She knew that Jesus often did not have a place to lay His head, was beset by enemies, and was wearied with travel and work of all kinds. And now that she had Him safely under her roof, she intended to minister to Him. But she forgot that Jesus had come to serve, not be served…. He always comes to give and to give more than can be offered to Him in return.”
— RCH Lenski on Mary and Martha
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Pentecost 10: Genesis 18:20-32; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13
Answers to Today’s Gopspel Lesson Brief Study:
4. Martha busied herself with preparing a meal for Jesus, while Mary busied herself with sitting at Jesus’ feet for the nourishment of her faith.
5. When Martha became upset at Mary, Jesus told Martha that her sister had chosen the more necessary thing.
6. False. Jesus is simply pointing out that the nourishment of our faith through the gospel is far more necessary than worrying about earthly needs (see Matthew 6:25-34). Work is a blessing from God as we are given the opportunity to serve him and one another in unselfish love. It would have been far better to rejoice that Mary was being granted such a wonderful opportunity to be nourished through the gospel, and joined her.
This week I am praying for……
