Introduction

In Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Joanna Weaver invites all women to reexamine the poignant story of two sisters from Bethany. Before we begin reading, though, I invite you to think about the following.

1. What preconceived ideas do you have about Mary and Martha?

2. Read the attached translations of Luke 10:38-42.

a) Highlight the key phrases associated with Mary in one color.

b) Highlight the key phrases associated with Martha in a second color.

c) Highlight the responses of Jesus in a third color.

d) Circle the conjunctions in verses 40 and 41. Do they influence the way you respond

to what you read?

3. I have little (if no) doubt that almost everyone will identify with Martha and for reasons that are too well-known to all of us. A woman once told our author: “My life is like a blender—stuck on frappe!” What inanimate object would you choose to best describe how your life currently feels?

4. How do you feel about Mary? Why?

5. Briefly define the following terms:

a) struggle

b) intimacy

c) go all out

d) choice

e) distraction

5. What does the Bible say in the following verses about our potential for change?

Ezekiel 36:26-27________________________________________________________

II Corinthians 5:17______________________________________________________

Philippians 1:6_________________________________________________________

6. Read the attached translation of Matthew 11:28-30. Highlight the words and phrases that speak most to you.

Now it’s time to open the book and start reading! For me, there is no greater anticipation than that I feel before opening a book to the first page. Let me share some words from our author to send you on your way.

“Nothing has transformed my life like the study of God’s Word. Something powerful happens when we go beyond other people’s opinions and revelations and discover for ourselves what God has to say. . .

I recommend using a translation of the Bible that you enjoy and understand, as well as a notebook to record your answers (see page 229 for Joanna’s own journal form).

My prayer is that each of you will begin to experience the blessing God promises to those who look ‘intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. . .not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it’ (James 1:25). . .[d]ig in, ladies! You’ll be glad you did” (209).

Almighty and most merciful God, You have given the Bible to be the revelation of your great love to us, and of Your power and will to save us; grant that our study of it may not be made in vain by the callousness or carelessness of our hearts, but, that by it, we may be confirmed in penitence, lifted to hope, made strong for service, and, above all filled with the true knowledge of Yourself and of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. (George Adam Smith)

Before next time: Read Chapter One: “A Tale of Two Sisters,” pps. 1-12.