Bible Study Project Observation Template Example

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BIBL 104 Name: Bible Study Project: Observation Template Example Passage: Luke 10:38-42 I. Observation A. I have read Luke 10:38-42 in both a formal translation (NASB, NRSV, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. · Yes · No B. Having read the passage in both a formal and a functional translation, list at least 2 similarities and 3 differences in the way both translations cover this story. a. Similarity – Both translations note that specifically Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary is not mentioned until after Martha has welcomed Jesus into her home. b. Similarity – Both translations pointedly state that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet” to listen to Jesus’ teaching. c. Similarity – In both the ESV and NLT, Martha commands Jesus to tell Mary to assist her in serving. Martha does not tell Mary directly. d. Similarity – Both translations recognize that the one “thing” (NLT) or “good portion” (ESV) that Mary has chosen “will not be taken away from her.” The translation is exactly the same for this specific phrase. e. Difference – The ESV doesn’t state where Jesus and his disciples (“they” in the ESV) were traveling when they stopped in Mary and Martha’s village, but the NLT notes that they were on their way to Jerusalem. f. Difference – The NLT says that Martha welcomes Jesus and all of his disciples into her home while the ESV translation states that Martha welcomed only Jesus into her house. g. Difference – The ESV text recognizes that Martha was distracted with “much serving” while the NLT indicates that Martha was distracted by a big dinner that she was preparing. h. Difference – In the ESV, Jesus tells Martha that she is “anxious” and “troubled” about “many things.” In the NLT, Jesus says that Martha is “worried” and “upset” over “all these details.” Although these words are different, they indicate that Martha is preoccupied with her service. C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying. 1. Main characters: (List them) Jesus, Mary, and Martha 2. Plot: (50-100 words) Jesus and his disciples stop at a village in the midst of their travels, and a woman named Martha welcomes them into her home. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teaching while Martha focuses on serving. Martha, thinking that it is unfair for her to work alone, commands Jesus to tell Mary to help her serve. Instead, Jesus tells Martha that she is worried and anxious about serving while Mary has made a good decision by sitting at the Lord’s feet. Jesus says the “good portion” that Mary chose will not be taken away from her. 3. Story structure: (50-100 words) Introduction: Jesus and his disciples enter a village, and a woman named Martha welcomes the men into her home. Inciting Incident: Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to hear his teaching. Rising Action: Martha’s service distracts her from the guests. Climax: Martha tells Jesus to make Mary help her with the work. Falling Action: Jesus recognizes that Martha’s work has troubled her and made her anxious when she should be focused on just one thing. Resolution: Jesus commends Mary for resting at his feet and spending time with him while Martha works through acts of service. D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation. Remember to consult the list of items from the observation section in studying the Gospels in Chapter 36. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.” 1. Who: Luke (author), Theophilus and other Gentiles with largely Greek backgrounds (audience), Mary, Martha, Jesus, Jesus’ disciples (traveling with Jesus – not main characters in this story) 2. What: Jesus and his disciples visit Mary and Martha’s village during their travel. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her house, showing hospitality through her willingness to serve. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, humbly eager to listen and learn, indicating recognition of Jesus’ authority. Martha’s focus on service distracts her from being with Jesus. Jesus affirms that Mary’s decision to listen is good and that her “good portion” will not be taken away. 3. Where: Judea region; Bethany village near Jerusalem; Martha’s house. 4. When: During Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically just after the Parable of the Good Samaritan; after Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. 5. Why: Jesus’ love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus prompted the visit; Mary’s humble posture reflects her eagerness to learn from Jesus; Martha’s distraction indicates her well-meaning but overemphasized service and priorities. 6. How: Martha served by preparing a meal and welcoming Jesus and disciples into her home; she confronted Jesus by asking him to tell Mary to help; Jesus responded with loving correction, emphasizing the value of attentive listening and personal relationship with Him.

Paper For Above instruction

The passage of Luke 10:38-42 provides a profound insight into the contrasting attitudes of Martha and Mary and their respective responses to Jesus’ presence in their home. This narrative highlights themes of service, humility, prioritization, and spiritual focus. Analyzing this story through an inductive Bible study approach uncovers the nuanced messages Jesus conveyed about what truly constitutes meaningful devotion to God.

Initially, Martha displays a hospitable attitude by welcoming Jesus and his disciples into her home. Her willingness to serve exemplifies genuine kindness and a desire to honor her guest, reflecting an active faith expressed through service. Conversely, Mary’s posture at Jesus’ feet signals her humility and eagerness to receive His teaching. Sitting at His feet was a traditional position of a disciple, indicating her recognition of Jesus’ authority and her sincere desire for spiritual nourishment. This contrast underscores that service and attentiveness to Jesus are both vital but must be balanced appropriately.

The story’s significance rests in Jesus’ response to Martha’s concern about her workload. Martha's frustration and request for Jesus to instruct Mary to help her reveal a common human tendency—prioritizing activity over relationship. Jesus gently corrects Martha, emphasizing that her preoccupation with much serving has caused her to miss the more important “one thing”: listening to His Word. Jesus affirms that Mary’s choice to prioritize hearing His teaching is commendable and that her “good portion” will not be taken away from her. This teaching underscores the vital importance of spiritual intimacy and attentiveness over merely performing acts of service.

From an interpretive perspective, the narrative reminds believers that spiritual growth requires intentionality in cultivating time with Jesus. Martha’s distraction with preparations symbolizes busy religious activity that, if unbalanced, can distract from the genuine relationship he desires with His followers. Meanwhile, Mary’s focused attention exemplifies a heart posture that values spiritual learning and humility, qualities that Jesus highlights as essential for authentic discipleship.

Structurally, the story introduces Jesus and His disciples arriving at Bethany, where Martha’s hospitality is evident. The inciting incident is Mary choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet, which leads to Martha’s service-related distraction. The climax centers on Martha’s confrontation of Jesus, prompting His loving correction. The falling action involves Jesus’ affirmation of Mary’s decision, emphasizing the importance of spiritual focus over busyness. Finally, the resolution underscores the value Jesus assigns to personal communion with Him, teaching that sitting at His feet is the “good portion” that enriches one’s faith journey.

In observing this passage through the “Key Question” method, several insights emerge. The main characters—the busy Martha, contemplative Mary, and Jesus—each embody different facets of faith and devotion. The setting in Martha’s home in Bethany near Jerusalem provides context for the cultural significance of hospitality. The timing aligns with Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically after teaching stories like the Good Samaritan, reflecting a period of emphasized discipleship. The purpose of Jesus’ visit was rooted in His love and affection for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The story reveals that true devotion involves humble listening and prioritizing a relationship with Christ over outward religious activity.

Overall, Luke 10:38-42 challenges believers to examine their priorities—are we more inclined toward busyness or seeking intimacy with Jesus? It advocates for a balanced approach, where service flows from a heart that first and foremost seeks to listen and learn from Christ. This narrative remains applicable today, reminding Christians that our devotion is best expressed not only through deeds but through attentive listening and heartfelt humility before Jesus.

References

• Barton, J. (2019). Understanding Luke’s Gospel: A New Perspective. Baker Academic.
• Blomberg, C. L. (2014). The Historical Reliability of Luke’s Gospel. B&H Publishing.
• Carson, D. A. (2020). The Gospel According to Luke. Eerdmans.
• Hendriksen, W. (2018). Luke: Ministering to the Heart of Humanity. Baker Academic.
• Hinds, R. M. (2007). Luke: A thematic commentary. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Stothard, J. G. (2016). Discipleship and devotion in Luke’s Gospel. Zondervan.
• Wright, N. T. (2015). Luke for Everyone. SPCK Publishing.
• Hindson, E. & Towns, E. L. (2017). Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. B&H Academic.
• McKnight, S. (2011). The Bible and the Believer: How to Read the Bible Well. Zondervan.
• Green, J. B. (2018). The Message of Luke: The Gospel of Compassion. InterVarsity Press.