1. Luke 10:38+

2. Martha: Older sister, Godly woman, homemaker, hospitable (highly esteemed practice in Jesus’ day) Mary: Scholarly, feminist personality, a worshipper Key figures

3. “If you really care about me, tell her what to do!” Martha’s love for Jesus is “distracted” by her tasks and her resentment of Mary’s behavior – she’s lost her focus. A heart of worship does not try to control God or dictate to Him the outcome of our circumstances Martha’s story….

4. She sits at His feet – as student/worshipper All ministry is “good” but Jesus says there is one way which is “better” Jesus meets her need “where she’s at” (A student of Torah, just not in temple) A heart of worship freely gives love/devotion to Jesus AND is a hungry student of His Word, listening to the voice of God. Mary’s story ….

5. Jn 11:3 “…so they sent word to Jesus” to come because Lazarus was very ill. When the “answer” (Jesus) finally arrives, from a natural and “seen” perspective, it’s too late A heart of worship understands He is ALL we need/He is our priority A twist in the story…

6. Jn 11: 32 – “falls down weeping at His feet” But it’s not in worship. “IF you had been here..” Her focus is on her loss… In time of trouble, we tend to focus on the problem. Jesus brings her back to what’s important – HIM! A heart of worship requires that we submit to the timing of God Mary is “moved” by grief…

7. Jn 13:1-11. Jesus returns to Bethany and reclines at table (a very risky/courageous act for all involved) Mary anoints Jesus’ feet w/nard, wipes them w/her hair (same level of humility as the harlot in Luke’s account) A heart of worship expresses intimate love John finishes the story

8. Myrrh: worth its weight in gold; used to cover the stench of death; retrieved from myrrh tree – slashed for its resin (Spike)Nard:12 oz worth 11 mo wages/used for burial; imported from India; root is crushed; believed to represent the fragrance of garden of Eden Song of Solomon –myrrh & nard are the fragrances of the bride Anointing oils….

9. True worship frees us from: people pleasing, compromising the gospel, expecting a return or counting the cost Only those who have practiced falling at His “beautiful” feet see the beauty of the foot of the cross Mary could “stand” at the cross at Calvary because she 1 st knelt at His feet in Bethany Some final thoughts…

10. When your whole world “feels” as if it’s been turned upside down, when nothing is as it should be, can you “bow down” and worship When your whole world “feels” as if it’s been turned upside down, when nothing is as it should be, can you “bow down” and worship? The challenge…

11. Is 52:7 “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation and says to Zion (and, therefore, to you!) “Your God Reigns!” The encouragement…