Have you ever thought about why Mary chose the good part? She lived in a busy world with lots to do. However, she thought spiritual wisdom was more important than anything else. But what was her reason for this choice? And what does it teach us? Let’s learn about the important lesson in Mary’s choice. We’ll see how it can change our lives too.
Mary Prioritized Listening to Jesus Over Other Tasks
Mary made a choice to listen to Jesus, even with many other things to do. She showed us the importance of focusing on spiritual growth. By choosing to pay attention to Jesus, she put her faith above everything else.
Jesus’ teachings can guide and enrich our lives. When Mary sat and listened to him, she put God first, following what Matthew 6:33 teaches. This shows we should care for our relationship with God more than anything else.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Living in a world full of noise, we easily forget to put Jesus at the center. Mary reminds us that our real wisdom comes from connecting with Jesus. This is more important than our daily duties.
Choosing to listen to Jesus means we are ready to learn from him. We learn deeply by spending time with him. This changes how we think, what we do, and what matters most to us.
Just hearing Jesus is not enough. We must really think about his teachings. This way, we grow in our faith and can change for the better.
Picking Jesus over other tasks allows us to learn deep spiritual truths. It connects our hearts closely to his, bringing us joy and peace. These are gifts that come from being close to Jesus.
Let’s learn from Mary and choose to focus on what Jesus says. This will lead to a life filled with growth and true satisfaction.
Choosing Wisdom Over Worry
Life often brings moments of worry and doubt. Mary chose spiritual wisdom from Jesus over such troubles. Her decision shows that spiritual wisdom is more important than material things.
Mary knew that gaining knowledge and advice from Jesus was more valuable. It helped her deal with worries better. She found peace exceeding any worry through this wisdom.
Mary’s example teaches us to focus on spiritual wisdom rather than worldly fears. Seeking wisdom helps us find joy and peace. This is especially important when the world distracts us.
Embracing Peace Amidst Uncertainty
Mary found a peace beyond the world’s troubles by choosing wisdom. Jesus tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-27. Trusting God’s guidance, we can overcome anxiety.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Turning to wisdom and trusting God brings peace in uncertainty. Mary chose faith over fear. This leads to peace despite difficult times.
Integration of Trust and Wisdom
Choosing wisdom over worry brings a mindset of trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 shows the importance of trusting in the Lord. This wisdom helps us know God’s plans for us.
By praying, reading the Bible, and asking Jesus for advice, we get clarity. Wisdom acts as our guide, steering us in life’s rough times. It helps us make choices in line with God’s teachings.
Anchored in the Unchanging Truth
Wisdom is powerful because it’s based on truths that never change. Spiritual wisdom stays the same, even when everything else doesn’t. It’s our solid ground through life’s ups and downs.
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Choosing wisdom connects us to God’s eternal truths. These truths give us strength to face any challenge.
| Wisdom Over Worry | Wisdom Embracing |
|---|---|
| Focuses on eternal values | Brings inner peace |
| Prioritizes spiritual growth | Guides decision-making |
| Trusts in God’s provision | Offers stability amidst uncertainty |
Choosing wisdom over worry changes our lives for the better. Following Mary’s footsteps leads to a deeper, fulfilling life. Prioritizing spiritual wisdom brings us peace and direction from God’s timeless truths.
Focus on Eternal Benefits
It’s common to focus too much on everyday worries and tasks. We often miss the bigger picture, living just for now. But we can look at life from a higher angle, valuing choices that last forever.
Like Mary, who chose to sit and learn from Jesus, we can focus on eternal gains. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18
This verse tells us to look further than just our daily lives. It challenges us to make choices that truly last. How can we spend our time on things that matter to God forever?
The image below perfectly shows how the world we see compares to the unseen, eternal world:
The Seen vs. The Unseen
| Seen | Unseen |
|---|---|
| Temporary | Eternal |
| Material possessions | Spiritual growth |
| Worldly achievements | Kingdom impact |
| Earthly pleasures | Heavenly rewards |
This table shows us the difference between short-lived things and what lasts forever. It contrasts earthly goods with the value of spiritual growth, impacting God’s kingdom, and heavenly rewards.
By choosing what we focus on wisely, our day-to-day life can change. Prioritizing what matters eternally brings purpose and lasting impact to our lives.
Sitting at the Feet of Jesus
In Luke 8:35, sitting at Jesus’ feet shows the deep change this brings. We show we are ready to learn and embrace his wisdom. This is our way of telling Jesus we want to understand his teachings more deeply.
Mary chose to listen to Jesus, sitting at his feet. We learn from her choice. By humbly sitting, we prepare ourselves to accept Jesus’ life-changing messages.
Choosing this position helps us grasp what Jesus teaches. We get to feel and learn from his actual words. These lessons have the power to change our lives.
“But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” – Luke 8:38-39
Sitting at Jesus’ feet also brings healing. Just like the man freed from demons, we find freedom too. We let go of our chains.
This act shows our desire for Jesus’ guidance. We understand we need his wisdom for fullness in life. Surrendering to him is the key to real wisdom and peace.
Benefits of Sitting at the Feet of Jesus:
- Receiving Divine Wisdom: Sitting with Jesus gives us insight. This divine wisdom helps us through life’s hardships.
- Finding Peace and Rest: By learning from Jesus, we find true peace. It’s a rest that fills our souls deeply.
- Gaining Spiritual Insight: Listening at Jesus’ feet gives us a spiritual view. It opens our eyes to life’s true meanings.
- Cultivating Humility: Sitting down humbly teaches us to let go of our plans. It’s about being willing to follow with a humble heart.
When we learn from Jesus, we change inside out. Our spirits, thoughts, and paths align with his. This is the power of sitting at his feet.
Connecting with the Source of Wisdom
By choosing to learn from Jesus, we tap into endless wisdom. These moments of quiet learning are where real understanding begins. It’s about applying his teachings in our daily lives.
Let’s be like Mary and the healed man: ready to learn at Jesus’ feet. This is our gateway to spiritual growth, transformation, and divine direction.
Hearing and Doing the Word
When Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, she did more than listen. She also put His teachings into action. This shows the wisdom in James 1:22. It tells us to not just hear God’s word but to live by it too.
James teaches us that just listening isn’t enough. True change and growth come when we act on what we hear from God. By living out His teachings, our bond with God deepens. We also better follow His plans for us.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22
James’s words are a powerful call for action. They remind us that mere knowledge falls short. Our actions must mirror what we’ve learned from God’s word. By doing so, we show His love, grace, and wisdom to others.
Actively living out God’s word makes us examples of His transforming power. Our lives become a beacon of His truth and love. Through this, we inspire others to draw closer to God.
By both hearing and doing God’s word, we open ourselves to His kingdom. In doing so, we invite His blessings and guidance. It’s through applying His teachings that we find true wisdom, peace, and fulfillment.
Benefits of Hearing and Doing the Word:
- Transformation of character and behavior
- Alignment with God’s will
- Experience of God’s blessings and guidance
- Influence and inspiration for others
- Deeper intimacy with God
| Verse | Teaching |
|---|---|
| Matthew 7:24 | Building a firm foundation through obedience |
| John 13:17 | Receiving blessings through obedience |
| Luke 11:28 | Keeping God’s Word and finding true blessedness |
| Matthew 28:20 | Obeying God’s commands and experiencing His presence |
Finding Rest in Jesus
Life can be heavy and tiring. But there’s a place for rest. Jesus speaks in Matthew 11:28-29 and offers this:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus invites us to leave our heaviness with him. He promises rest for our tired souls.
He’s asking us to choose the better way, just like Mary. This is about finding true rest with Jesus. Not in the world’s short-term fixes.
Accepting Jesus’ invite means reordering our priorities. It’s about pausing from the rush to hear his words. Letting his wisdom fill and calm us.
Choosing Jesus brings a peace beyond logic. This peace stays with us through life’s toughest times. It gives us courage to move forward.
Imagine following Jesus’ steps, just like in the image. He leads us to a deep peace. He asks us to learn from him and feel his calm.
Next, we’ll talk about the one best choice we can make. And how it changes us for the good.
Choosing the One Necessary Thing
Mary made a choice just like Paul. She focused on Jesus and His teachings. Paul also says in Philippians that we should leave the past behind and aim for the prize of serving Christ.
Mary chose to focus on spiritual growth and her relationship with Jesus. She knew it’s key to ignore daily distractions and put Jesus at the center. This way, we can follow His teachings better.
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42
By picking Jesus first, Mary followed Jesus’ advice. In Luke 10:42, Jesus praises her choice. By learning from Jesus directly, she gained wisdom and guidance that stay with her always.
The Value of Choosing the One Necessary Thing
Choosing Jesus builds a strong foundation for our life. It helps us handle life’s challenges wisely and with grace.
This choice lets us see God’s plan for us clearly. It brings peace and joy from being with Him closely.
Pursuing the Prize
Just like Paul says, picking Jesus allows us to aim for His high calling. This leads to a life full of joy and rich rewards from being faithful.
Choosing Jesus leads to blessings and shows us God’s plan. It grants us victory by following the essential thing.
| Priorities | Results |
|—————————–|—————————————|
| Choosing the One Necessary Thing | Deep spiritual growth and wisdom |
| Other Distractions | Potential spiritual stagnancy and missed opportunities |
| Aligning with God’s Will | Living a purposeful and fulfilled life |
| Following Jesus’ Example | Experiencing transformation and impacting others |
Choosing Jesus and His teachings changes us deeply. It betters our spiritual growth, development, and well-being. This choice gives our life meaning and brings us in line with God’s plans.
Receiving the Word with a Good Heart
Mary’s heart was kind and open to Jesus’ teachings in Luke 8:15. It is crucial to have an honest heart to grasp and use God’s teachings.
Opening your heart to God’s wisdom is key. Being ready to let His teachings affect your thoughts and actions is important. This helps His word grow in you, producing good results.
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” – Luke 8:15
Humility is necessary to accept God’s word for what it is. It’s about releasing your own ego and wishes, and being eager for truth. This mindset helps you match your life to God’s will.
When you read the Bible, think about how it applies to your life. Let its wisdom show you the right way and help in your choices. This way, you live as someone who truly follows God’s word.
Three Principles for Receiving the Word with a Good Heart
- Cultivate Humility: See yourself as always learning in God’s eyes. Be humble while reading His word, ready to take in advice, learn, and find hope.
- Practice Active Listening: Dive deep into the Bible. Read, think, and remember God’s word. Listen well to sermons and lessons that help you understand the Bible better.
- Apply the Word: Act on what you learn from God. Let His word influence your choices, mindset, and how you act. Your heart becomes more open and responsive this way.
By welcoming the Word with a good heart, you set yourself up for growth and closeness with God. Just as Mary did, let your heart receive God’s teachings and bear the fruit of a changed life.
A Better Choice That Cannot Be Taken Away
When Mary chose to sit at Jesus’s feet, she made a lasting decision. She put eternal truths first, finding wisdom beyond this world’s limits.
Mary’s choice mirrors the promise in John 10:28. It secures eternal life, highlighting that spiritual decisions outlast the material.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19-20
Mary saw the temporary nature of earthly goods. She valued Jesus’s words, finding truth and endless life in them.
Choosing the eternal option changes how we see life. It means trusting God’s unchanging word, over this world’s temporary treasures. By following Jesus, we find a truly rich and satisfying life.
The Incomparable Value of the Good Part Chosen by Mary
The choice Mary made goes beyond any material thing. It brings a satisfaction no wealth can offer. Her decision offers a wealth that can’t be bought.
Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 4:18’s message, we see the value:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Choosing Jesus’s teachings leads to a joy and peace that last. It opens the door to a wealth no one can take from us. It guides us with divine wisdom and love.
The Unshakeable Faith of Those Who Choose the Better Part
Mary’s choice shows strong faith in God’s promises. She put Jesus’s teachings first, ignoring life’s busy distractions.
With John 10:28’s promise, we see a future secured by choosing what matters most. It’s a promise that nothing in the world can match.
The Good Shepherd’s Voice
Mary learned to recognize the voice of the good shepherd, Jesus. She did this by sitting at his feet and listening carefully. Jesus said in John 10:27 that his sheep know his voice and follow him. Mary showed her trust and dedication to Jesus by paying close attention to him.
Jesus is described as the good shepherd. He guides, protects, and cares for his followers forever. Like sheep know their shepherd’s voice, we too can get close to Jesus. We do this through reading the Bible, praying, and trying to feel close to him. This way, we hear his voice in our hearts.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
By listening to Jesus, we open ourselves to divine wisdom and comfort. It’s through his voice that we understand our meaning and find our way in hard times. He offers us a life that is full and fulfilling.
Jesus’s voice helps us navigate life’s challenges. It brings us comfort when things are tough and clarity in confusion. His teachings help us see God’s plan for our lives.
Mary knew the value of sitting with Jesus. She taught us to seek quiet and listen to his voice. By doing this, the good shepherd leads us to peace and righteousness. He fills our hearts and guides us on the right path.
We should always pay attention to Jesus’s voice, even when the world is loud. By listening and obeying, we can live a rich life. And we can be sure that he always loves and cares for us.
| Benefits of Recognizing the Good Shepherd’s Voice | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Divine guidance and direction | Psalms 23:1-3 |
| Peace and rest for our souls | Matthew 11:28 |
| Protection and provision | Psalms 23:4-5 |
| Assurance of eternal life | John 10:28 |
What is the significance of choosing to be in God’s presence and how does it relate to the idea of choosing the good part from Luke 10:42?
Choosing to be in God’s presence is essential for spiritual nourishment and guidance. It allows individuals to find peace, strength, and clarity in their lives. In Luke 10:42, the idea of choosing the good part emphasizes the significance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly distractions, providing reasons to be in god’s presence.
Conclusion
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him. She showed us that focusing on spiritual wisdom is important. It helps us find peace and think about things that last forever.
Life can get very busy with lots to do and many things that distract us. Mary’s choice shows why taking time for spiritual growth is vital. It reminds us to put God’s wisdom first.
When we put Jesus first in our lives, we learn more about what he teaches and how to live. This brings us peace and helps us know we’re on the right path. It shows we’re after God’s bigger plans for us.
Let’s be like Mary and pick what’s best for us. Let’s make time to learn from Jesus, listen to him, and live by his advice. This way, our lives will change for the better. We’ll get closer to the Good Shepherd every day.