To prepare for this study, please read the Women in Christ commentary Sisters of Bethany.

Part I. The Example of the Sisters of Bethany

1. Luke 10:38 Who were the guests of Martha and Mary? Describe a similar situation that has, or could, happen in your life.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Luke 10:39 What does the phrase “at the Lord’s feet” mean? Compare to Acts 22:3 KJV. What was Mary doing? In your real, or imagined situation, (Question 1)  how did you, or could you, follow her example?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Luke 10:40 What was Martha doing? What does her complaint reveal about her attitude? What does her attitude reveal about her priorities? How would you (or did you) feel under the same (or similar) circumstances? What positive lessons can you learn from the example of both sisters?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Luke 10:41-42 What was Jesus’ description of Martha’s frame of mind? What do you think Jesus meant by saying, “only one thing is needed?”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. Luke 10:42 What was “better” about Mary’s choice? Describe how you can make that better choice in your life. If you have already made that better choice, how does this choice affect your attitude, peace of mind, and how you live your daily life?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part II. Learn From Me

1. Matthew 11:20-30 How do the following concepts work together so you can find rest in Jesus? [Note that this passage is all one discourse. See verse 25.]

• Repentance, verse 20
• The Day of Judgment, verse 24
• Revealing the Father, verse 27
• Learning from Jesus, verse 29

2. Matthew 6:25-34 What is the priority Jesus is teaching in this passage? How does learning and practicing this priority result in a worry-free, restful mind? How is it possible to meet our responsibilities to our families and others while we keep this priority in mind?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Ecclesiastes 3:1-17; 12:13-14 How much control do any of us have over time and circumstances? What is the advice the Teacher, son of David (Ecclesiastes 1:1; 3:12-14) offers regarding our attitude and priorities in life? How does this compare to Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 11:20-30?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Hebrews 3:18-19; 4:1-11 What do you think the things you worry about reveal about your priorities? How do you think committing yourself to obeying God can eliminate worry and anxiety from much of your thinking? Or, if you have already made that commitment, what were the immediate and long-range results in your life?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. Hebrews 4:12-16; Philippians 4:11-13 Resisting anxious thoughts and worry can be difficult and seem impossible at times. What is God’s solution to our weakness?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. Mark 8:34-38 These words of Jesus do not seem to be “restful” at first glance. What priority do you see in this passage? How does obeying this teaching from Jesus lead to the rest he promised?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. Philippians 4:4-9; I Peter 5:6-7 What can you do to receive the peace of God?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. Romans 5:1-11; 8:1-2, 26-39; John 14:27 Who, and what, is the source of our peace and joy?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Choose at least one Bible verse or phrase from this study guide to memorize or write on an index card. If you have a problem with anxiety or worry, keep this verse available and repeat it and use it in your prayers to remind yourself to resist anxiety and worry. By resisting anxious thoughts and replacing them with the word of God, you can develop the attitude and habit of peace, joy, and hope. But never forget, these are the fruit, the result, of the Holy Spirit in your life. (Galatians 5:22-25) We can only go so far in our own human strength and will. (Philippians 2:12-13)