DiscipleshipCurriculum RaisingDisciples - Flipbook - Page 45
WEEK 7
Identity in Christ
the behind-the-scenes work of preparing meals, washing of dishes, and any other tasks
were the responsibility of women. It could be a social scandal if a visitor was not treated
appropriately, especially if the visitor was someone of importance. Martha is completing the
tasks that would be expected.
When Jesus taught, the disciples would have sat at his feet in the tradition of a rabbi with his
students, who were always men. As a woman, Mary is sitting where she would not have
been expected to sit, and her position there may have caused concern for her sister and
others.
ENGAGE SCRIPTURE
Read Luke 10:38-42
Keeping in mind the preceding background information, as well as the context on pages
128-129 of Raising Disciples, guide a conversation to understand these verses:
Ask participants to raise their hand if they are familiar with the story of Mary and Martha.
Have them share how they have typically heard this story explained.
Describe the social expectations—the identity—for women in the first century.
How does Jesus challenge Martha’s identity in the story?
How does Jesus affirm Mary’s identity in the story?
The story in Luke 10 ends abruptly without clear resolution. What do you imagine
happened after Jesus gently rebukes Martha?
Say, “It wasn’t wrong for Martha to want to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 encourages
us to practice hospitality! But Jesus wanted her to see herself not just as someone who
completed tasks for him, but as his disciple.”
Consider and Discuss
DISCUSS CHAPTER 6
Say, “The author writes, ‘As a child reaches adolescence he begins to wrestle with his
identity. He begins to become aware of himself as separate from others and imagine his
future self. Though he might articulate his search for identity in different ways, at the core he
is struggling to answer three common questions: Who am I? Where do I fit in? What is my
purpose?’ (Raising Disciples, 114-115).”
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