WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO JESUS?
Oh my, what a busy time of the year. It is easy to forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. We get so involved in the decorating, the baking, the office parties, the church parties, the gifts and wrapping, the family gatherings, the exquisite dinners, and our lists go on.
So, today we are going to ask ourselves “What IS important to Jesus?” Jesus IS the heart of Christmas; therefore, He is ultimately our reason to celebrate.
Many times, throughout the year, but particularly at Christmas, I wonder if I am resembling Mary or Martha. I love The Living Bible version of their story; it is so intuitive for what I want to talk about.
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. 39 Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as He talked.
40 But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, 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.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! 42 There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!”
Special Notes for this scripture:
- In this version Jesus is calling Martha “dear friend”. In other Bible translations it says, “Martha, Martha”. Because of our humanity, we read these versions with indignation, stating “Martha…Martha”, shaking our heads to emphasize that we believe Jesus was scolding her. TLB version quotes it as Jesus would have said her name with compassion, teaching her with His love!
- In verse 42, Jesus spoke “one thing” to highlight something important. What was that “one thing” that Mary discovered? TRUTH! And she hungered and thirsted after it!
- A footnote about Martha in TLB Version says “Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household chores, He was only asking her to set priorities. It is possible for service to Christ to degenerate into mere busy-work that is no longer full of devotion to God.”
Jesus was concerned with Martha’s priorities and her devotion to God. It is the same with us! Does our list of activities, our priorities, reflect our devotion to God?
The number one answer to the question “What is important to Jesus?” is – Devotion to God.
- The word devotion means: Loyalty, affection, love, commitment, dedication.
Let’s look at some examples from the Word of God as to how devotion was exemplified for us.
Moses was a man devoted to God and a good example to imitate.
Exodus 33:14-15
14 And the Lord replied, “I myself will go with you and give you success.” 15 For Moses had said, “If you aren’t going with us, don’t let us move a step from this place.
Moses was unwilling to move a step without God’s presence directing him.
1 Chronicles 28:9 – King David, speaking to his son Solomon:
9 Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your fathers. Worship and serve him with a clean heart and a willing mind, for the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every thought. If you seek him, you will find him; but if you forsake him, he will permanently throw you aside.
King David was known as a man after God’s own heart and another great example for us.
Mark 15:47 – When Jesus was being taken off the cross:
47 (Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching as Jesus was laid away.)
Mary Magdalene – the woman that Jesus delivered from seven demons. (Mark 16:9)
Although there are other women mentioned in the gospels, all four gospels allude to Mary Magdalene being there. God blessed her devotion and diligence by allowing her to see Jesus after His resurrection.
For another example of devotion, please take the time to read Luke 7:36-50 for yourself. This story is self-explanatory. It will prove that the greatest love, gratitude and devotion to God comes from great sin. All of us have much to be grateful for.
The second answer to our question “What is important to Jesus?” is to love God and others.
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ 38-39 This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.’ 40 All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets stem from these two laws and are fulfilled if you obey them. Keep only these and you will find that you are obeying all the others.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us to do ALL things to the glory of God. Our loving and serving people is for HIS glory! Christmas provides many opportunities to love people as He intends for us to and there does seem to be a spirit of generosity this time of year. But Christian living looks for opportunities to bless others 365 days a year, not just one day or one month.
Let us ask God to evaluate our time and priorities. In this Christmas season may we sit at the feet of Jesus, as Mary did, with love and adoration for the King of Kings. May your hearts and lives be filled with joy and peace as you worship Him!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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