Spiritual Heart Attacks
Luke 10: 38-42
Theme Statement
Just as resentment gets in the way of our relationships with others, it gets in the way of a relationship with God. Jesus insight into human relations allows him to heal a hurting heart and in the process open a passageway to reconciliation with God.
Exploring the Word
The teachings of Jesus are not mere meaningless platitudes meant to console the anxious and calm the anguished. They are as much calls to action as they are soothing to the soul. They are meant to inspire growth in faith, help reveal the mysteries of God and, more important, encourage us to consider consequences.
In this text, as with the surrounding texts, the consequences are what make the difference. Obedience to Jesus’ teachings demand consequences, often in ways not expected. The life of a disciple is never easy. Three incidences make up the latter part of Luke 10. At first glace they seem unrelated, but upon closer examination there is the common thread of “obedience” running through them. Jesus is asked by a lawyer, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”(Vs. 25-28) to which the response is obedience – love God and love your neighbor. Then comes the question of who is my neighbor (Vs. 29). In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus never answers the question of “who”, but rather describes “how,” how obedience to God requires one to act toward a neighbor.
Finally, in our text for study this week, obedience takes on a new dimension. Jesus is welcomed into the house of Mary and Martha in keeping with is own directive “Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you” (Vs. 8). But the response of Mary is unexpected and Martha’s reaction to Jesus’ acceptance of Mary is even more unexpected. It becomes clear that despite Martha’s objection to having to do all the work of the house hold while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus just listening, the mandate of Jesus is that “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew. 4:4). Obedience, in this context, refers to a devotion to the Lord’s words as an expression of one’s love for God.
The Word Today
The heart is an amazing organ. Shaped a bit like a strawberry, only a little larger, it does the work of a powerful engine keeping the blood flowing day in a day out. But despite the voracity of the heart to work physically, what catches our attention the most is the heart’s quality as the seat of our emotions.
Heart disease can be spiritual as well as physical. To suffer from a “hardened heart, the consequence of emotional resentment, causes us as much pain and grief as the worst diagnosis of occluded arties. Sometimes festering for years undetected, resentment can erupt suddenly and without warning.
The stronger the love, the greater the potential for resentment. Perhaps that is why the little girl who was very angry with her father for refusing to allow her to watch a certain television program before she finished her homework could write a note to him – “Dear Dad, I hate you. Love, Rebecca.” This is what happened to Martha. Surely Martha loved her sister Mary and because she loved her greatly, she was capable of resenting her greatly.
Resentment is a strong barrier to spiritual formation. As we struggle with our person to person relationships, our relationship to God suffers as a consequence. We become a resentful person in general. The resentment becomes internalized, a kind of addiction we can’t shake.
Resentment as a human emotion, and consequently as an obstacle to a relationship with God appears to have its roots in what happens to Martha. More precisely, Jesus reminds us that resentment is caused not by what happens, but how we respond to what happens. Martha experiences pain in her own life, but instead of attempting to change herself, she avoids the pain by blaming others – she resents. She resents her sister. She resents Jesus for not admonishing her sister. She resents having to do work that previously she found satisfying.
Martha fails. She does not allow God to be in charge, she usurps the priority of God with her own expectations. Her resentment shuts out the sunlight of the spirit. Here is the test for Martha. Can she rejoice when the truth prevails and Jesus is honored even though she doesn’t receive her share of benefits or prominence?
To be a disciple of Jesus, to follow his mandates to love God with all ones heart, and not be swayed by the distractions of busyness requires of us that we focus our lives. It is not just about Jesus, but what Jesus is about that matters. What Jesus is about is encouraging us that we are capable of giving full devotion to the Word of God. A life committed to God is a life free of resentment.
Questions for Discussion
Beginnings:
· Respond to the following: “Resentment seems to be caused by what happens. Actually it’s caused by how you respond to what happens.”
· “Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve resentment.” Is this true? How do you know?
Exploring the word:
· Picture the scene. Martha emerges from the kitchen, leaning on her broom, tapping her feet and waiting for Jesus to respond to her question. “Jesus, doesn’t it bother you?” Your not Jesus, but how would you respond to Martha?
· Speculate: What was Martha’s response when Jesus says to her, “Mary has chosen what is best…”
· How would you explain to Martha that “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)?
The Word Today:
· “Why is it that people with fewer talents, who work less and struggle little, get ahead while I remain stuck?” Divide into groups of three. Each group is asked to propose (1) a meaning for this statement and (2) a means for counseling the person who feels this way. Each group shares with the whole group.
· Notice in the text that there are no religious words, no religious symbols, and no religious connotations. So…what does the story reveal about our relationship with God? What makes this story “religious?” (If time permits) As a group, rewrite the story using “religious” words.