Choosing The Better Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#39]

CHOOSING THE BETTER

Luke 10:38-42

Introduction:

Each year around this time, I have the opportunity to train a High School or College student worker at my school job. This year, I am training my first full-time worker, even though he is 19 years old, to learn the many responsibilities I handle. It’s helpful that his dad is a Pastor at 1 of our Mission Congregations. Oliver and I talk about many things each day, but the most important thing I want him to remember is that God placed us there to lead people to Jesus. While doing our jobs well is important, God’s greater desire is for us to choose the better- Leading others closer to Him.

This Morning, we are going to look at a profound lesson from Luke 10:38-42, where Jesus gently guides us to consider what truly matters in our busy lives. In a World filled with constant demands and distractions, we often find ourselves torn between many good things and the 1 thing that is truly necessary- The pursuit of Jesus and His Word. Our sermon, "Choosing The Better," invites us to examine our priorities and embrace the timeless wisdom of choosing the better part, just as Mary did when she sat at Jesus’ feet. May this message inspire us to make intentional choices that draw us closer to God and enrich our spiritual lives.

Luke 10:38-39

Choosing to…

1. Prioritize worship over worry.

We see Martha busy with many tasks while her sister Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. This story shows us how important it is to put worship and time with Jesus 1st, instead of getting caught up in worries and busy work. Spiritually, choosing worship over worry shows that we trust God's power and goodness. When we take time to focus on Jesus, we find true peace and happiness that the world can't give. In everyday life, this means making space in our routines for prayer, reading the Bible, and worship, instead of letting worries take over our hearts. By doing this, we show that our relationship with Jesus is more important than any problem we face.

To apply this in our daily lives, choosing worship over worry needs us to be intentional and disciplined. It’s a decision to trust that God's plans are better than our fears. This can look like setting aside specific times to pray and think about God's promises, turning off distractions, and focusing on His love. It also means trusting Jesus and giving Him our worries, knowing He cares for us. When we choose worship instead of worry, it changes how we see life. It helps us live confidently, knowing that God's presence is always with us and He is our safe place in every situation.

Luke 10:40

Choosing to…

2. Value spiritual nourishment over material tasks.

Martha was busy with many tasks, and because of that, she forgot what was really important- Spending time with Jesus. The Bible shows us that our relationship with Christ should come before everything else in our lives. Jesus gently told Martha that "one thing is needed," which means we need to make time to be with Him- Reading the Bible, praying, and listening to His Word. Practically, this means we should look at our daily routines and find moments to focus on God. When we do this, our hearts stay close to Him, and our service to others becomes more genuine and full of love, not just duty.

This teaching encourages us to put spiritual things 1st instead of getting caught up only in work or chores. We can choose to spend time with Jesus even when life is busy. For example, we might set aside a few minutes each day for prayer or reading the Bible. When we do this, we grow stronger in our faith, and our actions become more caring and sincere. Valuing spiritual nourishment helps us serve others with love and patience. It reminds us that the most important thing is building a close relationship with Jesus, which gives us strength and joy to face life's challenges and to truly help others.

Luke 10:41-42

Choosing to…

3. Embrace the better part- Remaining at Jesus’ feet.

Theologically, staying at Jesus’ feet means we are showing humility, surrender, and trust in His love and wisdom. Jesus gently corrected Martha because she was busy and anxious, reminding her that the most important thing is to be with Him. Choosing the better part means understanding that our spiritual connection with Jesus, (spending time with Him and listening to Him) is more important than just doing things for Him. It’s at His feet that we find peace, direction, and strength. This shows us that being close to Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and it’s where our hearts are truly changed.