Build a Bigger Table

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

In 2021 some people have the mistaken idea that Jesus and the Church treat women as second-class citizens. In fact, Jesus spoke to women (Samaritan woman John 4:4-42), healed them (woman with bleeding Mark 5:21-43), healed their loved ones (Syrophoenician woman’s daughter Mark 7:24-30), taught them (Matthew 14:13-21 & Matthew 15:29-39 women in the crowd of 5000 and 4000), used women in his parables and teachings as positive examples (Widow & lost coin Luke 15:8-10 and widow’s offering Luke 21:1-4 ) and was even financially supported by women (financial supporters listed Luke 8:2-3). This passage in Luke 10:38-42 is an excellent example of how Jesus actually treated women.

In the Jewish culture in 30 AD girls had no formal schooling – they were taught at home by their mothers – how to run a household. If they were taught the scriptures it was done at home by their fathers. Women were considered to be little more than property and had little say in who they would marry, or what happened to them.

Yet, In John 4:4-42 Jesus had a conversation with a Samaritan woman that resulted in an entire town hearing about the kingdom of God and many believing in Jesus. It would never have occurred if Jesus had treated her as the culture demanded – as an outcast dog, to be passed by,to be overlooked and completely disregarded.

Picture the scene in Martha and Mary’s home. Men are gathered around Jesus – eager to hear his teaching, and there is Mary – one of the hostesses – sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning. At this time, in this culture this was a highly unusual scene. Martha asks Jesus to tell her sister to help her with preparations, but Jesus says,“…but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42.

Mary heard the call to learn from Jesus. Have you? Do you sit at his feet and listen to what he has to tell you? Spend some time reading his word, sitting at his feet in prayer. Make some space to hear what he might be telling you to do, to say, to be.

By Grace Hunter

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV

In July 2018 my daughter spent a day preparing food for a young singles group outdoor picnic. It was scheduled to be dinner at Clement Park. In typical Colorado fashion, we loaded all the food in our car and got about 10 minutes from our house when the skies opened up with one of the worst gully washer rain and hail storms I have ever experienced. After pulling over to the side of the road – because I could not see to drive – and several phone calls between us and the leader of the group, we decided to turn around, go home, and invite all the young people to an evening of worship, sharing and dinner at our home.

As I navigated Littleton Boulevard, which was more of a river than a street at the time, my mind raced. I was thinking of how we could get our home ready for 20 or more young people with about 10-15 minutes notice. I imagine Martha may have had similar thoughts. I was thinking- where are the chairs, should we set them up outside? Then I panicked thinking that my house was NOT company ready. But then a calm set in, because I realized, the young people just wanted somewhere to gather. The food was already prepared, we simply needed to set up some chairs and tables outside, and everything would be fine.

The purpose of the gathering at Martha’s home was to see Jesus, hear his teaching, and be in His presence. The purpose of the gathering at our home in July 2018 was accomplished. The rain had stopped, the young people shared a meal, sang worship songs together, and enjoyed fellowship with each other. About 30 people gathered at our home that evening, including Joel, whose wheelchair my husband and his mom managed to get into our backyard so he could join everyone else. Our son Joshua was watching Clifford on his TV, and the young Rosenberger children joined him – it was a sweet time of children being entertained together.

As we gather this summer each of us can take each of these opportunities to Jesus and ask him – what is your purpose in this gathering? Let’s pray and be willing to do what He wants us to do, and say what He wants us to say to the people we are gathering with this summer.

By Grace Hunter

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40

In one of his sermons, the British preacher Charles Spurgeon spoke at length on the spirit of Martha and the spirit of Mary. The spirit of Martha, Spurgeon says, is a “restless spirit” that culminates into “an elaborate method of doing nothing.” He contrasts this with the spirit of Mary that feeds the soul by focusing on the spiritual nature of Christ. It refines the soul through “the process of musing and learning.”

In my personal life, I find it so easy to fall into the “spirit of Martha”. Several years ago, I found myself putting a copious amount of effort into serving at a church instead of a balanced scale of learning, growing and giving back. This pattern quickly led to burnout and I was left wondering if I was really being filled by going to church in the first place. In processing this, I realized I had to make sure I was intentionally taking steps back in order to support my journey with Christ. It also meant I needed to surround myself with people who understood the importance of focusing on being in Christ’s presence. Having these individuals check in on me helped ensure I was taking time to be in His presence. Serving isn’t bad in and of itself, but this experience taught me the importance of focusing on having a “spirit of Mary.” I want to focus on the works of Jesus in my life rather than trying to appease Him through my actions.

This week, focus on how you can help others spend time in Jesus’ presence. Maybe it means supporting them with their workload and chores, or it could be taking them to coffee and spending time together in community focusing on Christ’s Spirit.

By John Egland

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.” Luke 10:38-42

In this passage, we find Martha (sister of Mary and Lazarus – all very dear friends of Jesus) inviting Jesus and his disciples into her home on Jesus’ way to Jerusalem. This invitation led to a sudden influx of other guests eager to hear Jesus and his riveting message.

Anyone familiar with Middle Eastern standards of hospitality is aware that Martha instinctively gathered all her household resources and more to offer comfort and nourishment to her guests. Needless to say, this large, spontaneous gathering overwhelmed her.

In the midst of her superb display of hospitality, Martha saw her sister, Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, immersed in his words. In distress, she interrupted Jesus and called for help.

We might interpret Martha’s cry for help as an unreasonable demand and that Jesus shamed her for being distracted by mundane tasks. A closer look suggests Jesus invited his generous hostess to modify, even abandon, traditional hospitality norms to simply enjoy his presence.

Like Martha, I’ve been tempted to complicate preparations for guests. In the past, I’ve considered multiple new recipes, fussed about cleaning and decorating my house, and given the “eye” to family members who didn’t help after guests arrived. This routine has often left me frazzled and limited my ability to enjoy the uniqueness of the moment.

Even though I’ve streamlined my preparations in recent years – even meeting in other settings besides my home – I’m forever drawn to focus on cultural ideas of hospitality rather than first asking Jesus how he wants to meet my guests with his marvelous insights and generosity.

Give some thought to refreshing your hospitality habits. Ask Jesus to show you places to invite guests he’s arranged for you, how to interact with them, and how to make Jesus your guest of honor.

By Kathleen Petersen

They all ate and were satisfied, and what was left over was picked up—twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:17

Decades ago I experienced a severe ankle break. My Christian friends and I prayed for instant healing based on conviction that Jesus still does miracles today. As my ankle slowly healed, I tried to understand God’s wisdom in withholding a miracle. I finally rejoiced that God created my body with an amazing capacity to heal.

In recent years I’ve experienced increasing pain resulting from that injury. I’ve consulted several surgeons in pursuing a remedy. During the past six months I’ve disappointed myself by engaging in uncertainty, confusion, and fear before deciding to undergo ankle replacement surgery. Why did I waver and leave myself open to intense daily pain? Aaugh!

You’re likely wondering, how does a struggle like mine relate to the leftovers in Luke 9? Mark 8:14-21 seems to give an answer:

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”

They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Whoa! Understand? Remember? Sometimes I’m so dense.

Understand: Setting my mind on Jesus daily is vital…I can never be too grateful for his unparalleled sacrifice resulting in forgiveness and blessing. How can I doubt he cares for my welfare and will do more than I ask or imagine?

Remember: His timing and provision have always been perfect. Is there reason to doubt his consistency in my present struggle? He provides for all my needs and more – plus strength to resist anxiety.

Jesus provides abundantly for those who love him including leftovers to share. Are you wrestling with disappointment, a situation that needs fixing, or a problem that seems too much for you? Read Mark 8:14-21 again and thank Jesus for his incredible provision.

By Kathleen Petersen

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 NIV

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Luke 9:16-17 NIV

Giving thanks to God acknowledges our need for him. Being thankful is an expression of our dependence on Him for everything that we have, and for everything that we need in the future. It is a posture of humility before God – to give thanks to Him for our daily needs and for His many blessings given to us.

Jesus models this for us, “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people,” Luke 9:16. Jesus thanks God for the loaves and fish, acknowledging that we are dependent on God for everything. Then the miracle happens, the 5000 men plus the women and children present, all ate and were satisfied. Jesus gave thanks – God provided for the need.

Paul also encourages us to be thankful to God. He writes, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” I Thessalonians 5:22. Being thankful for what God has given us does not depend on our wealth, our health, our age or our marital status. Paul wrote to the Philippian church on this topic as well. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:11-13. Because Paul penned these words while in prison – his statement carries even more weight.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is worth the effort. Humbling ourselves before God – to give Him thanks for all that He has given us – our food, our jobs, our homes, our friends, our families, our lives – is what God desires of us. Take some time to look at your life right now. Perhaps make a list of ways God has provided for you, or for answered prayers, or for a specific provision. Take some time to pray and humbly thank God for all He has done for you.

By Grace Hunter

He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” Luke 9:13-14

“We have only five loaves of bread and two fish…” Looking out over this crowd, hearing Jesus’ instructions to feed them, how hopeless and confused must the disciples have felt! They saw what they had, but they also saw how little they had. They were much more aware of what they lacked and how much more they needed. How many times have you looked at your life and seen the same thing? Whether it’s a physical need, like food or finances, or an emotional need, like strength, or hope, a scarcity mindset often causes us to react in fear and self-protection.

But where the disciples saw scarcity, Jesus knew the abundance that would be provided. The five loaves and two fish becomes enough to provide for over 5,000. The little we have is an opportunity to see God provide.

Read this story again, and imagine yourself as a disciple. What does the crowd look like? How does it feel when Jesus asks you to provide something to eat? How do you respond to him? Now ask yourself, what is Jesus asking you to give that you feel like you lack? Ask him to increase what you have so that he will be glorified. Look for ways that Jesus is showing you abundance where you saw scarcity this week.

By Jessica Rust

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” Luke 9:12-13 ESV

I love a good potluck, but don’t you hate it when the concern arises of having enough food to go around? The questions come up of, “should we go grab some Little Caesars?” or “is there a KFC nearby?” Inevitably, nobody ends up running out to get more and, in the end, everyone ends up taking way too much home. The verse above takes this situation to the extreme. The disciples wanted to send people away to eat and come back filled to continue learning later. Instead, Jesus calls on them to feed the crowd, magnifying the food provided in a glorious way.

In a similar way, Jesus works in our lives to magnify our callings. Often, what Jesus puts on our hearts for how we can glorify His Kingdom seems out of reach to us. We feel underequipped, underqualified, and undeserving of the path He set before us. Our prayers often mirror the comments of the disciples, “but Lord, I am only ___. I can only do ___.” We sit and wonder how God will use us in order to fulfill His purpose. It is in these questions that God moves in us and shows that He is capable of more than we can ever imagine and magnifies our talents and gifts to their full potential for His Glory.

We are not called to do this alone. Instead we work alongside others to fill each other as we work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. This week, think about how you can help fill someone else. Maybe start by grabbing coffee or inviting them to dinner, but focus on how to help fill their lives with God’s goodness.

By John Egland

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Luke 9:10-11

Sometimes I need a break from people. As an introvert, the more time I spend around people, especially large groups, the more intentional I need to be to have time alone. It is in this alone time that I can refresh, recharge, and breathe a little so that the next time I’m around people I have the energy and resources to respond well.

I would imagine the disciples feel similarly at the start of this story. They have just gone out to minister to the towns around them. They’ve had some amazing experiences, seen God work, and, probably, they are tired. And just when they want more rest, here come the crowds. The crowds who follow Jesus everywhere. The crowds who are always hovering after him: asking, pleading, listening, wanting healing and miracles and the Kingdom to come now.

If I was one of the disciples, I would be seriously hoping Jesus turns and says, “not now, come back later!” But instead, he welcomes them. The Gospel of Mark says he didn’t just welcome the crowd but had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Jesus doesn’t just accept their presence, he loves them, sees them as they are, and responds to their need.

What do we do when the way of Jesus asks us to have compassion when we don’t want to? Because we do have to admit, there will be times where we just don’t to be like Jesus and turn and have compassion. We would rather go on our own way to use our time and resources the way we want.

A starting point is to remember that we, too, are in need of compassion. We are broken, fallen people in need of grace. Always. Even when it looks like we have it together. 1 John 4:19 reminds us that “we love because he first loved us.” We show compassion because we, too, were shown compassion and grace. Compassion, like love, hope, peace, joy, and so many other things, ultimately isn’t sourced in our hearts because we’re good people with an unending supply. We receive compassion for others as an outpouring of the Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Spend time with the God of compassion this week asking him to forge compassion the next time you see someone you would rather send away, or turn away from.

By Jessica Rust

Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”  And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher. “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Luke 7: 39-43, ESV

Unfortunately, Simon’s response to the sinful woman Jesus can be familiar to those who have come to Christ later in life and are burdened by past sins. Instead of appreciating the beauty in the woman anointing Jesus with oil, he silently sits and judges, going as far as to question Jesus’ status as a Prophet, let alone as the Messiah. How often have we at various points in our walks been the same; judging someone by their outward appearance or by what we know about them, rather than how God views them?

Jesus sees Simon’s heart. He doesn’t need to hear Simon’s thoughts to know how he feels about the situation. Instead of calling him out directly, Jesus responds in parable. Jesus does this to explain how individuals with deep needs will respond to forgiveness with an extreme outpouring of love, while those with little need for forgiveness often will respond with less. In this moment, Simon is measuring himself against the woman and increasing his personal view of himself when compared to her.

In our personal walks with Jesus we might relate more to the first debtor in the parable; being in need of deep forgiveness. When we receive that forgiveness, we have an outpouring of love and thankfulness for Christ in our lives. However, while we try to maintain that mountain top experience, we can often find ourselves slipping; becoming more like Simon and falling into the motions of faith rather than focusing fully on the ways God has moved and forgiven us in our lives. This type of thinking can lead to complacency and judgement against others.

Take some time in prayer and reflection today. When was the last time you forgave someone for a great offense against you? When did you last ask God for forgiveness for an offense you made against Him? If you have something to confess to the Lord, bring it to Him in this moment.

By John Egland