Week 2 · Learning to abide
Day 9
Give Jesus your attention
Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and respond honestly.
Read
Luke 10:38-42
Read in the ESV ↗Read the whole passage slowly, twice if you can. Then come back here.
Reading the chapters alongside your first ten days? Today's is chapter 9: Following Jesus in ordinary life.
Understand
Martha welcomes Jesus and becomes distracted and troubled by her serving. Mary sits listening to him. Jesus gently addresses Martha’s worry and affirms Mary’s attention to his teaching. The problem is not that practical service is worthless. The surrounding Gospel repeatedly calls disciples to love through action.
Service can become an anxious attempt to prove your worth, and a crowded life can make listening seem unproductive. Jesus deserves your attention. His words form the person who serves. A disciple learns to bring responsibilities into relationship with him, making room to hear him without despising the work that love requires.
Pray
Jesus, help me recognize when activity is crowding out attention to you. Quiet my need to prove myself. Teach me to listen and then serve from the love I receive. Amen.
Use this as a starting point, then speak in your own words.
Reflect
What usually distracts you during Bible reading and prayer?
Act today
Put your phone beyond reach for your next reading time, if practical. Read the passage aloud or listen attentively to it. Choose one ordinary responsibility afterward and do it as service to Jesus, asking for his peace rather than recognition.
Words you will hear today
Saved only on this device. No one else can see it.
Walking with someone through this? See the week 2 guide
Missed a day? Resume where you stopped. You don't need to catch up.