Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Luke 10: 38-42.

1. This new sermon series is based on the RightNow Media video series entitled “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” What does “hurry” mean to you in this context? Why must we be ruthless in eliminating it?

2. Dallas Willard said, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree? When have you experienced this yourself?

3. Dallas Willard described Jesus in one word, as “relaxed.” What do you think he meant by that? What can we learn from that regarding how to live our own lives?

4. Who do you relate to more in today’s passage, Mary or Martha? Why?

5. Pastor Mick said again this week that the devil deals in distractions. What does he mean by that? In what way was Martha distracted in today’s text? What did Jesus have to say about that? What distracts you in life?

6. In this week’s video, Comer connects Martha’s attitude with what’s going on in our society today, by saying, “Hurry is the issue underlying so many of the other issues of our day.” What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree? Can you remember some of the issues he outlined?

7. Pastor Mick shared that a classic symptom of “Chronic Busyness,” or “Hurry Sickness,” is reacting poorly to interruptions. How do you react to interruptions? How did Jesus react to interruptions?

8. Pastor Mick said that Jesus wasn’t so much chastising Martha as He was inviting her to a reprioritized way of living. What steps can you take to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry” and make spending quality time with Jesus your first priority in life?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, we confess that we suffer from “Chronic Busyness” and “Hurry Sickness.” The fast-paced, frenetic lifestyle we often live is exhausting. Even worse, it is distracting, taking our focus off of you and placing it on ourselves and the world. We desperately want to be like Mary, but far too often we are more like Martha. Please forgive us and help us. Grant us the wisdom and the courage to choose what is better. Help us to relax, so we can live and love the way you modeled for us. Help us to experience the fullness of your grace and peace, so that we might share your love with the world. We pray all of this in your precious, holy and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.