The Story of Mary and Martha

The story of Mary and Martha although not extensively written about in the New Testament, their names and story are very familiar. Mary and Martha were sisters and their brother, Lazarus, was raised from the dead by Jesus in whom the three had a close and personal relationship.

Martha was the eldest and like many older brothers and sisters, Martha had the annoying tendency to boss the younger siblings. A trait developed while growing up, so Martha was quite acquainted with being in control.

It was a social requirement to be hospitable in their culture and in those days, you would not turn away anyone who came to your door. It is no wonder that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are remembered for their hospitality.

The hospitality ministry is a gift. There are many aspects to hospitality from welcoming guests, making sure their guests are comfortable, and there is plenty of food. This requires resourcefulness, organization, and a team that works well together as Mary and Martha usually did and they are the finest hospitality team mentioned in the Bible. Jesus Christ was their most frequent guest.

Martha concerned herself with details, as she wished to please by doing the right thing and to serve. But in so doing, those around her became uncomfortable. As the eldest, she possibly feared shame as she felt it was her responsibility to have her home and hospitality measure up to expectations. She did everything within her power to make sure that did not happen. As a result, Martha found it difficult to relax and enjoy her guests.

As for Mary, hospitality was to be more concerned about giving attention to her guests than meeting their needs. She would rather socialize than cook. Mary also, preferred visiting with her guests instead of the cleanliness of her home, or if her meals were served in a timely manner.

Martha took her hospitality responsibilities seriously and Mary was comfortable with Martha taking charge of those details. Accepting Mary’s lack of cooperation in assisting with the preparations was even harder.

We see when Jesus came to visit, Mary choose to sit at His feet and listen to His teachings. In the ancient world, this was a common posture for a disciple of any teacher. But as was the practice, disciples were routinely male, so Mary was quite possibly breaking rules that were strictly reserved for the males. Jesus put aside the long-established role of women and encourage Mary to think and learn. He supported Mary in listening, contemplate ideas, and develop her mind. Mary should not be held to the traditions of the day instead be permitted as the Jewish men were to access ideas.

In keeping with tradition, Martha was not asking for help but demanded that Mary keep to her rule. Martha’s sense of frustration was so overwhelming that she asked Jesus to step in and settle the matter. Jesus instead of siding with her respectfully corrected her attitude and expressed to her that her priorities needed to be adjusted. Personal attention given to her guests should have been more important than the comfort she provided for them.

Mary became a woman of worship because of her actions. Some think she was the woman who washed Jesus’s feet with expensive perfume and her hair.

It seems Martha did not learn the lesson following the death of Lazarus, as she could not control herself. Lazarus had been dead for four days. “So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days” (John 11:17). Upon hearing Jesus was finally coming, she rushed to meet him and quickly expressed her inner conflict of disappointment and hope. “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You’” (John 11:20-22). Jesus explained to Martha that her hope was limited. He was not only the Lord beyond death, but in fact the Lord over death – the resurrection and the life! “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

Once again Martha expressed her concern without thinking, stating that a four-day-old corpse has started their decomposition. Sometimes Martha’s attention to detail prevented her from seeing the whole picture. Jesus maintained His patience with her.

Martha finally learnt the lesson of serving. As she is serving Jesus and His disciples, she does so in silence. It looks as though she learnt what Mary already knew – that worship begins with silence and listening.

On the other hand, Mary seemed to have a deep understanding of why Jesus was going to die. Even better than the disciples. Her actions led Jesus to say her act of worship would be heard worldwide, along with the gospel. It would be an example of costly service.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Mary and Martha’s personalities were such that they complemented each other. Martha was a go-getter who organized and ran a rather large household. Mary, on the other hand, was a thinker interested in ideas.

Just like us, both Mary and Martha showed strengths and weaknesses. Martha’s strengths included that she was known as the perfect hostess, her faith in Jesus grew, and had a tenacious desire to do everything perfectly.

Martha’s weaknesses were expecting everyone to agree with her priorities, was consumed with details (perfectionist), and when her efforts were not recognized, she tended to feel sorry for herself, and limited Jesus’s power to only this life.

Mary’s strength was possibly that she was the only person who accepted and understood Jesus’s approaching death. She even took the time to anoint his feet while He was still alive. She also learned when it was time to listen and when to act.

In conclusion, there is no question that both Mary and Martha loved Jesus. On this one occasion, as in times past, they both were serving Jesus. Martha although thought that Mary’s serving was not appropriate and in fact inferior to her own. Martha failed to realize that in her desire to serve, she was neglecting Jesus, her guest. Like Martha, we sometimes find serving Christ it turns into busywork which no longer becomes full devotion to God.

A couple of lessons to learn from Martha is not to get caught up in the details that we forget the main reasons for our actions and most importantly, there is a time to listen to Jesus and the right time to work for Him.

The one lesson Mary learned was that busyness can get in the way of knowing God on a personal level. Also acts of obedience along with service have widespread effects.

On a personal note, serving and putting others first has always been a priority in my life. I enjoy making sure others are comfortable and taken care of before I tend to my own needs. That is why when asked by my pastor to head up the Helps and Hospitality ministry I gladly accepted. This ministry was intertwined closely with other ministries and as we were a new church our membership grew weekly, it soon came to the point that all I was doing was serving.

Like Martha, after several years, I felt frustration building in me. I still enjoyed serving but it got to the point whenever I was at church I was serving in some capacity. I rarely had the opportunity to sit down and get fed with the message. The result was instead of speaking to the pastor about my frustration, I stepped down from the ministry and eventually left the church.

#maryandmartha #thestoryofmaryandmartha #jesuschrist #hospitalityministry #marymarthaandlazarus #womenofworship #nancyawood #russfwood #russandnancywood #bloggingforchrist #character #influence #characterandinfluence

The Unique Gospel of Mark

Even though the author of the Gospel of Mark is not known, it is unanimous with early tradition that the author was in fact John Mark. He was a close associate of Peter as we see in 1 Peter 5:13, “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you, and so does Mark my son.”

John Mark was also a companion of both Paul and Barnabas and accompanied them on their first missionary trip. Papias, bishop of the church at Hierapolis (around A.D. 135 – 140) was the earliest witness to the authorship of John Mark. This witness is preserved in Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History. Papias describes Mark as “the interpreter of Peter.”

Date written:
The Gospel of Mark according to early church fathers was written after the death of Peter. Peter’s death occurred about A.D. 67 during the persecution by Emperor Nero. Evidence supports that most of the Gospel was written between A.D. 65 and 70. The entire Gospel, but especially chapter 13, indicates that it was written prior to A.D. 70 with the destruction of the temple.

Background of Mark’s Gospel:
Nero in A.D. 64 accuses the community of Christians of setting the city of Rome on fire. Nero initiated a fearful persecution in which both Peter and Paul perished. The persecuted church was living in a constant threat of death. At this time, Mark wrote his Gospel. Mark wanted his readers to be encouraged and gain strength from examples of Jesus’ life.

The core message of his Gospel is “that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected, by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). The topics of suffering and death is not only repeated (9:31 and 10:32-34) but begins to be the standard for committed discipleship: “Whoever desire to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me” (8:34). The Cross of Jesus is where Mark leads his readers. They begin to discover meaning and hope in their suffering.

The content of the Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is structured around a variety of geographical activities of Jesus. These all come to a pinnacle by His death and resurrection. Mark relates the public ministry of Jesus in Galilee in chapters 1:14 to 9:50 and Judea in chapters 10 – 13 and ending with the Passion and resurrection in chapters 14 – 16.

The Gospel of Mark can be divided into two halves fasten together by the hinge of Peter’s realization and confession of Jesus first pronouncement of His crucifixion as we see in Mark 8:31.

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels. He makes no mention of the genealogy of Jesus, His birth, or early Judean ministry. This Gospel is one of action, quickly moving from one scene to another.

You have John’s Gospel as a studied portrait of the Lord; whereas the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are what might be described as a series of colored slides. Then you have Mark’s Gospel as a motion picture of Jesus’ life.

Mark’s Gospel in all likeness was written to a Gentile, Roman audience as he places little emphasis on Jewish law and customs.

The way Mark highlights the Passion of Jesus it becomes the focal point and gauge by which the whole ministry of Jesus and His disciples can be measured. We see this in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” The entire ministry of Jesus, from miracles, fellowship with sinners, and the choices of his disciples is placed within the context of the self-giving love of the Son of God, ended with His death on the cross and resurrection.

#theuniquegospelofmark #theapostlepeter #jesusthesonofman #theministryofjesus #theinterpreterofpeter #eusebiusecclesiasticalhistory #destructionofthetemple #thepassionandresurrection #jesusdeathandresurrection #nancyawood #russfwood #russandnancywood #bloggingforchrist

The Remarkable Gospel Of Matthew

Other than he was a tax collector, little is known about Matthew. The experts feel that for fifteen years following the Resurrection of Jesus, Matthew preached in Palestine then performed missionary trips in other nations.

Date written

Second and third century church leaders commonly agree that the Gospel of Matthew was the first of the four Gospels written. It was written between A.D. 50 and 65.

On the other hand, modern scholars feel that both Matthew and Luke depended on Mark’s Gospel when writing theirs. Hence Matthew’s Gospel would be dated later than previously stated.

Purpose of Matthew’s Gospel

Matthew’s goal in writing his Gospel was not only to show Jesus as the Messiah, but also as the Son of David. Matthew demonstrates how Jesus fulfilled prophecies of the Old Testament and how the Law is packed with new meaning and supplemented in the Person, words, and work of Jesus Christ. He also shows how Israel rejected Christ according to prophecy, and because of that rejection the transference of the divine privileges went from the Jews (who were the chosen people) to the Christian community. We see this in Matthew 21:43, “The kingdom of God will be taken from you (Israel) and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”

The content of the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew groups both the teachings and deeds of Jesus into five sections. The prologue covers chapters 1:1 to 2:23 and focuses on Jesus as the Messiah by linking Him with promises made to both Abraham and David. Jesus’ birth highlighting the royalty of Jesus for the Gentiles.

The first division covers the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 3-7). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains to the people how they should live under God’s laws.

Division number two explains Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sent them away on their missionary trips (chapters 8:1 – 11:1).

We find in the third division (11:2 – 13:52) many controversies involving Jesus. Also, seven parables illustrating several aspects of the kingdom of heaven, and the essential human response.

The fourth division covers major discourse regarding the behavior of believers within the Christian fellowship (chapters 13:53 – 18:35).

In the fifth division recounts Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. We see in chapters 24 and 25 Jesus relating to the end times. The last couple of chapters (26:1 – 28:20) detail events and teachings such as the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Great Commission.

#theremarkablegospelofmatthew #gospelofmatthew #jesusthemessiah #sonofdavid #jesuschrist #sermononthemount #greatcommission #resurrectionofjesuschrist #thecontentofthegospelofmatthew #purposeofmatthewsgospel #nancyawood #russfwood #russandnancywood #bloggingforchrist


Who Will Be The Final Roman Emperor? Part 1

This video is part one of three “Special Investigative Reports” on the book, The Final Roman Emperor, the Islamic Antichrist, and the Vatican’s Last Crusade by authors, Tom Horn and Cris Putnam. This four-year investigation has been referred to as “a bombshell” by Tom Horn.

God is Faithful

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God is faithful to His promise, and Sarah bears a son, Isaac, who will carry on the covenant line Genesis 21: 1 – 5, 12. So that there might be no misunderstanding about the line through which covenant rights obtained, God commands Abraham to cut off Ishmael. But God does not abandon Ishmael, and from him a great nation. The Arab people will emerge.

Abraham’s test Genesis 22: 1 – 24. Abraham’s supreme act of faith is his obedience to God’s command that he sacrifice his beloved son Issac. The experience demonstrates to all Abraham’s conviction that God is trustworthy and keeps his word.

The Lord will provide carries the idea that God will provide, where he sees a need. Abraham needed a sacrificial lamb. In faith he said to Isaac,” God will provide for himself the Lamb or a burnt offering”. God saw the need and provided a lamb that spared Isaac’s life. All humankind needs a Savior. That need has been met in Christ, the Lamb of God, who died for our sins.

#Abraham  #Sarah  #Genesis21:1-5  #Genesis22:1-24 #Isaac  #Russfwood

 

What Is Poverty Tourism Versus Pilgrimage?

 

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Today’s post will be different and I speak in Jesus’s name about what I am going to write about. I search for a lot of content written within several top 50 Christian blogs. Recently, I came across an article speaking about poverty tourism and foreign lands. But before I begin this article, I have a question for you. Do you consider yourself to be above the poverty line or do you know somebody that maybe close to poverty?

Poverty Tourism

In poverty tourism, as reporter Jamal Osman says, “People’s lives are on display, providing ample opportunities for tourists to grab a few photos and go.” You have traveled to a foreign land, such as Kenya,  what thoughts might be going through your mind as you look and you see these people with  so little. You decide to stop and interact asking a few questions. After learning so much from their conversations. What can I do to help these people?

It would be those that interact with these folks and not see a solution to their long-term problems. In reality, it would be a waste of time for those who sought as a photo opportunity and not see what is below the level. I truly feel sorry for the those individuals. The Westerners may come into a slum or village thinking, “I know exactly what’s needed to help you.” At an unconscious level, it may even be that by seeking to help the poor, there is a sense of one feeling good and self-justification compared to those who do nothing.

I live in a small coastal community within the San Francisco Bay Area. My wife and I travel a few times a week to the local grocery store. Before entry into the parking we both saw a homeless family with shopping carts holding all their belongings and card board roofs to shield them from the rains. Our hearts go out to them, and quietly began to pray for that one day their lives would change.

Not only do the Westerners stare as they go to the  small villages but they dehumanize them, and think that these people cannot think for themselves, and in fact these people are highly capable and highly resourceful. And yet there is a different way of thinking of a pilgrimage and having compassion for those human beings and when you desire to touch and feel with an open mind and heart that is pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage leads to change. We do not visit the poor, we visit with the poor.Visiting with the poor is an expression and wholeness of God’s love for his people. Pilgrimage reminds us all that they are part of God’s kingdom.

#Poverty  #Povertytourism  #Kenya  #Russfwood

 

 

 

 

 

Could Christians be fooled by the Antichrist?

He will be boastful and egotistical, a megalomaniac in his quest for world power. He will come preaching peace. But Daniel says, “through peace, he will destroy many.” (Daniel 8:25)

His authority will be overpowering, his hatreds intense, his political techniques first rate. The news media will not be able to resist covering his every move and pronouncement – however outrageous. Read more…

#Antichrist #Antichristinpolitics  #deceptionoftheantichrist #Russfwood

 

Scholar says she’s unlocked the secrets of the pyramid texts

Morrow explains her research, he and presents a new translation of the full text, and her latest book, the he Dawning Moon of the Mind: Unlocking the Pyramid Texts.
These are not magic spells at all, “these are poetic versus constructed just like poetry today, sophisticated and filled with word play and puns.” Please read more…

#Egypt #Pyramid  #Pyramid Text  # Susan Morrow  #Philosophy #Russfwood

God healed Abimelech

Abraham hid his relationship with Sarah, his wife, and Abimelech unknowingly sinned by taking Sarah in to his household. But God dealt graciously with both men. Abraham’s wife was restored to him, and when Abraham prayed for Abimelech, God healed him, his wife, and his female servants. Abimelech’s healing predates the Healing Covenant of Exodus 15: 25 – 26, which reveals that it has always been God’s nature to heal. Today He remains “the Lord who heals”. Let us look to Him for the healing of our physical, as well as our spiritual, ills.

#Abraham #Sarah #Abimelech #Russfwood