DWELL WITH GOD
In our last message on Experiencing God, I spoke on how to cultivate a hunger for God. We learned from the life of Moses in Exodus 33 that to grow a hunger and appetite for God, we need to taste and see that the Lord is good. Moses experienced God and His Word on Mount Sinai, which made him crave more. We also learned that we need to keep our hearts pure because sin hinders our appetite for God. Lastly, we learned that growing an appetite for God requires ongoing life consecrated to the Lord. The more we give ourselves to God, the more we want Him. Living a consecrated life for the Lord means carving out a portion of time each day to be with the Lord in the Word and in prayer. This can also include God in the mundane moments throughout our day.
God has given us a promise in scripture multiple times that if we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him. James 4 taught us last week: draw near to God and He draws near to us. We who seek God and follow His ways will experience God and continually hunger for more of Him.
Today I want to guide us on turning our hunger for God into seeking and dwelling in the presence of God. This may seem like a very obvious or elementary teaching today, but it takes practice and discipline. There’s a short, simple, and profound moment in scripture that drives home this practice, and it’s found in Luke 10:38-42
SCRIPTURE:
Luke 10:38-42 NLT
Context Observations:
The book of Luke is written by Luke. He wasn’t a disciple of Jesus, but he was a convert of the work of the disciples. He took an accurate recording of the events of Jesus’ life and teaching to share with his dear friend Theophilus. Luke records and shares a variety of events and stories around Jesus’ life. In this chapter alone, we have three major topics: The sending of the 72 disciples to do ministry, the parable of the good Samaritan, and lastly, Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary and Martha. This last story is where we will dwell today.
Jesus has just shared the infamous parable of The Good Samaritan, where he answered the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Love God and love your neighbor. The neighbor in this case was a Jewish man, and the only one who helped was the Samaritan, an enemy to the religious law expert who was asking Jesus this question.
OBSERVATIONS
V. 38
Jesus led a life of traveling ministry, and in this case, He is on His way to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus is shown hospitality by two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, an act of hospitality that Jesus hopes His disciples will experience in this same chapter as He sends them out to preach and perform miracles (10:1-20).
Luke doesn’t say where, but we know this is most likely the Martha and Mary of John 11 and 12, which is in Bethany, a few miles east of Jerusalem. Interesting fact, “Mary” was the most common female name in Hellenistic Judaism and “Martha” was the fourth most popular female name. -Edwards, J. R. (2015).The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 325). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
We’re not sure if Jesus was alone or with His disciples (men and women [Luke 8:1-3]). If his usual crowd is with him, there are many guests. If you have ever hosted family or friends for an occasion, you know it is no easy task. While many are enjoying fellowship, the host can be rather busy serving and maintaining hospitality. Either way, Martha is being a good host.
V. 39
Meanwhile, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His teaching. We can assume Jesus is sharing stories, lessons, and teachings about the Kingdom of God.
This is actually countercultural to this day. Disciples or students sat at the feet of rabbis to demonstrate humility and hunger for knowledge and understanding. In Jewish culture and customs, women did not assume this position; Jesus doesn’t restrict women from being His disciples. Instead, Jesus invites it!
“Sitting at one’s feet” is a classic description of a rabbinic disciple (2 Kgs 4:38; 6:1; Acts 22:3; m. ʾAbot. 1:4). In Luke, “sitting” (or “falling”) at Jesus’ feet symbolizes faith (8:41). Those who congregate at Jesus’ feet—women (7:38; 10:39), Gentiles (8:35), and Samaritans (17:16)—were not permitted at the feet of typical Jewish rabbis, however. Edwards, J. R. (2015).The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; p. 326). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Mary has sought out Jesus and is soaking up His Words. Ironically, Mary finds herself lost in the moment and presence of Jesus, so much so that she is not thinking of a meal to be prepared or tasks that are undone. Mary, totally engrossed in what Jesus has to say, is undone by the powerful words and presence of Jesus.
If you’ve ever experienced this, you know what it’s like. The noise around you fades; the list of things to do is blank; the anxiety of unfinished tasks is forgotten. You are enveloped by the peace and joy of the goodness of God’s Word.
Mary is captivated, but Martha is in a completely different state of mind.
V. 40
The scripture spells it out well: “But Martha, was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.”
Martha knows Jesus is there, but Martha is preoccupied. Martha feels first and then vocalizes. You can tell she’s anxious and overwhelmed because she doesn’t pause to read the room. Her anxiety and angst overflows: “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
Anxious to prepare a King's meal, she is upset she doesn’t have any help; you can’t blame her. I’ve cooked and prepped by myself (at times just necessary). It’s much easier when you have your sous chef and hosts to help prep, clean food, and set a table.
Martha says “Lord…” She respectfully but boldly approaches Jesus, knowing He has the authority and ability to fix this, but she doesn’t get the response she had hoped for…
V. 41-42
Jesus responds: The NIV says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
While Mary was blind to the needs of dinner by the presence of Jesus, Martha was blinded by the to-do list and missed experiencing the Words and presence of Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t just protect Mary’s discovery; Jesus teaches Martha (and us) a valuable lesson. Quality time with Jesus is of first importance.
Martha elevates a temporary need over a divine, eternal opportunity to sit with the King of Kings, the Son of God.
There will always be tasks to complete, but for Mary, this was a thinly veiled moment between heaven and earth that she wouldn’t get it back, and Jesus wouldn’t take it away from her.
A hunger for more of God eclipsed dinner preparations. A hunger for God isn’t always burning in us, but for Mary it was. Mary’s hunger for God was more important than the dinner on the table. Dinner can wait.
But the reality is…Mary was already feasting at the table of Christ. Mary was receiving what her soul and spirit needed more than what the body needed. Mary was receiving her daily bread, getting life from The Vine before she even heard Jesus is The Vine of life (John 15).
John 12:1-8 NLT A similar moment like this took place some time later.
According to a chronological Bible and order of events, Luke 10 is before John 11 and John 12 (where Jesus has a very special moment with Mary and Martha in their home again). Luke 10 is during Jesus’ earlier Galilean ministry trip, and John 12 happens later in his final week, just days before the passover and His crucifixion. The exact time between these two moments is unknown. What we do know is Jesus frequented this home and was close to this family because He wept when Lazarus died (John 11).
Mary has been moved and impacted by Jesus so much so that she gave a sacrificial and generous offering.
Dwelling in the presence of Jesus turns into offerings of praise and worship. In this case, Mary offers a perfume worth a year's wages, poured out on Jesus' feet.
APPLICATION
Dwelling in the presence of God requires intentional pursuit
We can be in the presence of God but not tuned in and yielded to the presence of God.
There’s a difference, and we see that with Martha in the first scripture. I don’t want to put Martha in the same sentence with Judas because they are two completely different hearts and outcomes, but Judas also proves this point. Judas walked with Jesus, but he was not truly devoted to and surrendered to Jesus.
Dwelling with God develops a heart of worship and service for God
Jesus doesn’t condemn serving while commending sitting in discipleship
Serving is good! Serving is the fruit of Christ dwelling in us. Jesus calls those great in the kingdom of God those who serve. Jesus came to serve and not to be served.
But an order and flow to our spiritual life is important. Dwell in Christ, through the Word of God, prayer, worship, and Biblical fellowship with the church. Then go into the world, to your neighbors, and co-workers clothed in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit.
This is not an excuse not to serve; it’s actually quite the opposite. The more we dwell with God, the more we will want to worship and serve God and others with our lives. It was the goodness and love of the heart of the Samaritan that Jesus highlighted. This love for one’s neighbor comes from the love of God dwelling in us.
Disciples sit and dwell in the presence of God so they can serve in the love and power of God.
In fact, I would say this: if you don’t have a heart of worship and service to God for others, then you have not intentionally sat and dwelled in the presence of God and let Him transform your heart and mind.
How to Dwell in the Presence of God
Make it a practice to get alone with God. Remove distractions.
Martha’s issue wasn’t laziness. It was a distraction. Martha didn’t have Instagram. She didn’t have a cell phone with everything at her fingertips. Yet she was distracted. If distraction stole people away from Jesus two thousand years ago, how much more must we intentionally fight for His presence today? Before we check our phones tomorrow morning, check in with Jesus.
Acknowledge His presence through prayer and ask Him to speak and meet with you. Hear from God by reading and meditating on the Word
The Word of God, in some way, whether it be revelation by an angel, a prophet, or Jesus, precedes a transforming experience with God. The Word of God is inextricable from having an encounter or moment with God that marks and moves you.
Try the S.O.A.P. or S.O.A.K. Method
SCRIPTURE: Read a manageable portion. Don’t rush to finish a reading plan.
OBSERVATION: Make obvious observations like I did today. Paraphrase the portion of scripture. Take notes of key words or key phrases. What does this reveal about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? Write down what the lesson’s scripture is revealing. Is there a command, promise, warning, or example?
APPLICATION: What can I do or obey today because of this passage? Seek to worship and serve God by praying about and applying what you have received from Him.
PRAYER/KNEEL: Go to God with a humble heart. Respond to His Word in worship, thanksgiving, confession, surrender, and prayer.
Dwelling is relational, not mechanical.
The goal isn’t a better quiet time. The goal isn’t completing a devotional. The goal isn’t checking off a Bible-reading plan. The goal isn’t finishing SOAK every day. The goal is being with God. Mary wasn’t completing a spiritual discipline. She was enjoying a relationship.
This week, I want to challenge every person here to spend fifteen uninterrupted minutes with Jesus every day.
No phone. No multitasking. Just you and God. Practice SOAKing up the presence of God and then, after seven days, ask yourself, “Did I become more aware of God’s presence?”
Would you dwell with God this week and read Psalms 1-7, a Psalm a day, and use the SOAK or SOAP
Discussion
What stuck out to you from Sunday’s message on Dwelling with God?
Who do you relate to more right now—Mary or Martha? Why?
What are the biggest distractions that keep you from dwelling in God’s presence?
Jesus said Mary “chose what is better.” What do you think made her choice better?
Have you ever experienced a moment like Mary’s—when you became so focused on God that everything else seemed to fade away? What was that experience like?
The sermon said, “Dwelling with God develops a heart of worship and service for God.” How have you seen that to be true in your own life?
This week’s challenge is to spend fifteen uninterrupted minutes each day with God using the SOAK (or SOAP) method while reading Psalms 1–7. What specific time, place, and plan will help you follow through, and how can this group encourage you?
Before leaving, have everyone share one practical commitment and one prayer request related to pursuing God’s presence this week.
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!