Sitting, Serving, Scheming

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On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples visit friends in Bethany. They receive a warm welcome and enjoy spending time together. Martha is busy making sure everything is perfect for her guests, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, eagerly listening to his words.

Martha becomes frustrated and complains that she has to do all the work by herself.

What do you think about the choices Martha and Mary made?
How does Jesus respond to Martha’s complaint?
Which sister do you relate to more, and why?

Jesus doesn’t rebuke Martha for serving or for expressing her frustration. Instead, he uses the moment to teach an important truth about priorities in the kingdom of God. Let’s read Luke 10:38-42.

Luke 10:38-42

What does Jesus mean, and not mean, when he says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one”?
What is the essence of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?
Has something good, like serving others, ever distracted you from actually spending time with Jesus? How does that happen?

In the episode, Jesus says, “The best way to serve me is to pay close attention to my words. That is the priority” [38:11-40:14 min].

True service begins with listening. Before we act, we sit. Before we do, we receive. Jesus reminds us that serving him well starts with being near him, allowing his words to shape our hearts and guide our actions. When we listen first, our service flows from love rather than pressure, and we find rest even as we serve.

How do you make time to truly listen to Jesus’ words? What habits or practices help you to pay attention to him?
How can you tell when it’s time to serve and when it’s time to sit at Jesus’ feet?
When might your acts of service risk distracting you from simply being present with Jesus?
Who helps you to stay attentive to God’s Word each day, and how can you do the same for others?

In this episode, we see the warm welcome of Lazarus, Martha and Mary toward Jesus and his disciples. There’s food, fun, music and a relaxed atmosphere. Jesus and his followers have gone through a lot together recently, yet in the middle of it all, we see friendship, connection, laughter and storytelling.

What stands out to you most in the scene at Lazarus’ house?
Have you ever been welcomed by someone the way Lazarus, Martha and Mary welcome their guests?
How have you recently welcomed others, including unexpected guests, into your life?

The Bible has a lot to say about hospitality. One verse even says that some people have “shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13). God calls us to welcome friends as well as strangers, those in need and those who simply need to belong. Let’s read Hebrews 13:1-2, 15-16, 20-21 and 1 Peter 4:7-10.

Hebrews 13:1-2, 15-16, 20-21

1 Peter 4:7-10

What do these passages teach about true hospitality?
What does hospitality without grumbling look like in your life today (1 Peter 4:9)?
What gift have you received from God to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)?
What is the end goal of our acts of service (1 Peter 4:11)? How does that influence the way you serve today?

In this episode, we saw a beautiful example of hospitality: a home where faith, food and friendship come together. Hospitality doesn’t require perfection; it’s simply opening your heart and space to others.

In Isaiah 58:6-9, God connects true fasting with generosity. He calls his people to share with those who have less. When we say, “I don’t have room in my grocery budget or space at my table to be hospitable”, God gently reminds us that we can give up a little in order to share with others.

How does the hospitality you saw in this episode challenge or inspire you?
Who could you invite to share a meal this month?
Do you tend to invite only friends, or are you open to welcoming new people like neighbours, newcomers in church or others in your community?
How could your limits (“my place is too small”, “I don’t have much money”, “I’m too busy”, “I can’t cook well”) become opportunities to practise creative hospitality?

In this episode, we see Jesus and his followers on their way to Jerusalem when Roman soldiers force them to carry their gear. Jesus encourages his followers to “comply with dignity” [13:25-15:27 min].

Andrew is furious, not because he’s humiliated, but because of what the Roman soldiers are doing to Jesus. Peter reminds him, “He said to submit. So we submit” [18:50-19:42 min].

Have you ever felt angry, like Andrew, because of what people did to Jesus or to others? Why or why not?
What do you think about the way Jesus and his followers submit to the authority of the Romans?

Judas struggles to understand what’s happening and asks, “Why would we just help Romans?” Jesus reminds Judas of his teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, “Whenever you are troubled, think back on my message” [20:00-21:33 min]. Let’s read Matthew 5:38-42.

Matthew 5:38-42

What does this passage teach about how Jesus wants his followers to respond to unfair treatment or authority?
What does Jesus mean when he says, “Do not resist an evil person” (Matthew 5:39)?
Jesus says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
What might that look like in your life today?
What difference does it make when we choose to go the second mile instead of being forced?

Going the second mile is a radical choice. It’s doing more than is expected; not out of weakness, but out of love. Jesus’ invitation is not about passive submission, but about active generosity. It’s about responding to injustice with dignity and grace, showing the heart of the Father through our actions.

Have you ever “walked a second mile” for someone? What happened?
Is there a situation in your life right now where you sense God is asking you to go the second mile?
What helps you choose this attitude freely, without pressure or guilt?
How could your willingness to “go the extra mile” point others toward Jesus?

At the beginning of this episode, Joanna sends the disciples a box filled with gifts to support Jesus’ ministry. Her act of generosity makes a real difference, even though she’s not physically present.

Can you think of a time when someone’s giving or support made an impact behind the scenes?
Have you ever supported a cause, ministry or person in a practical way? What motivated you to do so?
Why do you think generosity is such a central theme in Jesus’ teaching?

Throughout Scripture, generosity is described as a reflection of God’s own heart. Giving is not just about money. It’s about joining in what God is doing in the world. Let’s read Luke 8:1-3 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Luke 8:1-3

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

What do these passages say about our attitude when giving?
What does it mean to reap what you sow in this context?
What do you learn from the women who supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1-3)?
What does 2 Corinthians 9 teach us about the results of generosity, and why is that important?
How does joyful giving reflect God’s character?

Joanna’s example shows that faithful giving and serving can make a lasting impact, even when it’s not seen by others. She may not be part of the action on the road with Jesus, but through her generosity, she enables his ministry to continue. Giving isn’t limited to finances. It’s about offering what you have: your time, energy, resources or skills for God’s kingdom.

How does this episode challenge or inspire you to give more intentionally?
What resources, talents or opportunities has God entrusted to you that could be used to serve others?
Who could you support this week as a way of putting your faith into action?
How do you stay joyful and thankful in your giving, rather than feeling obligated?

SEASON 4 - EPISODE 5

Sitting, Serving, Scheming

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 10:38-42

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Hebrews 13:1-2, 15-16, 20-21

1 Peter 4:7-10

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 5:38-42

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 8:1-3

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

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