Invitations of Jesus: Episode 13 The Jar

Hello, my walking friend! Today’s episode focuses on spending time with Jesus – and can I just say, yay you! For the next 10 minutes, that is exactly what you will be doing – walking and setting your heart and mind on Jesus. Time well-spent, friend!

Today is the 13th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to sit with him, or in our case, walk.

Our verse to meditate on today is Luke 10:39 NIV:

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Have you heard or read the story about Martha and Mary? If not, let me give you a quick curlygirl recap. There was a dinner party being held at the house of Martha and Mary. Jesus was there, along with several of their other friends. Before I continue, let me ask you a question. Have you ever had a gathering at your house? Maybe for the holidays? Maybe even a small gathering with your immediate family or a few close friends. If so, it can be a lot of work, right? Getting the house straightened up, buying, preparing, and setting up the food (or picking it up or tipping the delivery person, whatever). Making sure everyone is comfortable in your home… and on and on. Like I said, I know from personal experience, it’s a lot of work.

So, back to our story. Martha and Mary were having this dinner party and Jesus was there and Mary was enjoying his company… while Martha did all the preparations. That did not go over well with Martha. Since you and I are walking friends, let me share with you that many times I have been and have felt like Martha. Everyone is enjoying the fruits of my labor… but me. Can you hear the martyr in me coming out? This is what was happening with Martha. Her hair was frazzled, she couldn’t move fast enough to keep everyone fed, she was stopping to replace the dirty water being used to clean the feet of their guests. She was a little ragged and finally she says to Jesus “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

To which Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Ouch! I don’t know about you, but I often feel like Martha. You may even be feeling that way now, like you can’t even enjoy this 10 minute walk because you are thinking of all the things you need to do with no one to help you. But, my friend, Jesus is inviting us to sit with him, or in this case walk with him. He is inviting us to sit at his feet and learn from him. To let his presence wash over us so we can fully receive his love and peace. Mary had lived without Jesus and now that she had him in her life she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from sitting at his feet when she had the opportunity. And this wasn’t the last time she would make that choice. I hope we can be as trusting as Mary, trusting that all will still be well if we let go of the many things we fret about to spend a few minutes at the feet of Jesus.

Let’s take a little time now to meditate on Luke 10:39:

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on Mary, Martha’s sister: The poem is called The Jar and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to sit with him and what that means to us.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,
Help me to pause in my busy life and accept your invitation to sit with you and listen to you speak. You gave all for me because you love me so much. Help me to use all you have given me, my time, talent, and treasure to bring you the glory you deserve. Let me love you as the woman with the alabaster jar love you – extravagantly. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the One who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:
Which do you find hardest to part with – your time, talent, or treasure? Why do you think that is? Take some time to consider that now.

Can you think of a time, or times, when you related more to Martha than Mary? How did that make you feel? Consider your answer now.

What are some ways you can be more intentional about sitting at the feet of Jesus? Think of those ways now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time Luke 10:39:

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! You are already being intentional about spending time with Jesus by taking this 10 minute walk with him. Even though it may feel hard to carve out even 10 minutes from your day, you are doing it! And that is awesome!

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.