Luke 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Reflection
This short story reveals the ever-present temptation to substitute selfreliant religion for the gospel. Even Christians can slip into a mentality that attempts to earn God’s favor with our acts of devotion. The gospel, however, calls us to reorient our lives around the message of God’s gracious love for us in Christ. Rather than emphasizing what we are doing for God — even doing good things such as serving —the one thing that is “necessary” and the “good portion” (v. 42) is to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to him. To our surprise, we can actually become “distracted with much serving” (v. 40). Jesus invites us to enjoy his presence before he commands us to perform our duties. Above all, to follow Jesus as a disciple means to be with him and listen to him. This alone enables us to take up our cross daily and follow him (9:23).
Philippians 4:1-9
4: Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Reflection
Paul now addresses two partners in ministry and then the Philippian church as a whole. The ministry partners Euodia and Syntyche need to agree in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). Their disunity contradicts the model of Christian servanthood and humility outlined in 2:1–11.
Rather than conflict, the church body should be filled with joy (4:4) and peace (v. 7), because the Lord is near (v. 5). God conquers anxiety that creates tensions in and among believers when we prayerfully bring our requests to God with thanksgiving. This results in God’s all-surpassing peace in our lives (v. 7). In context, vv. 8–9 are a reminder to think about all that is true—but particularly what is honorable, pure, and lovely in the gospel. Our Christian community is to be marked by unity and joy, but relational conflict and anxiety rob our churches of joy. God’s presence means that we can develop thankful, prayerful, and peaceful hearts marked by a joyful reflection on what is good. Do you find yourself anxious? Take time to memorize and meditate on Philippians 4:4–7.
Psalm 119:103
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Like Mary, we must make it a priority to listen to the words of Jesus. Pray for the wisdom and determination to continue prioritizing God’s Word each day so that you are regularly reminded about who he is and what he has done.