Practical Legalism (01.15.2006)

This week, we continue our look at barriers to compassion by talking about legalism (again).

MARTHA’S LEGALISM
Read Luke 10:38-42 about Mary and Martha. What could we say about each one as a person?

• Mary -- quiet, attentive, eager to learn
• Martha -- possibly the oldest, assertive (initiated the invitation), focused, productive

Inside Martha’s mind:

• What is she upset about?
  - Mary is not helping out
  - “Sitting at the feet of Jesus” describes a disciple – something that was only for men to do at the time
• What good principle is on her mind?
  - Everybody should chip in to help out
• Who is she upset with – and why?
  - Mary (for not helping) and Jesus (for not scolding Mary)

How would you describe Martha’s attitude or tone when she speaks to Jesus?

• Short, selfish, complaining

How might Martha have loved Mary instead of judging her?

• Be glad that she is learning from Jesus
• See taking care of the preparations as a way of enabling/loving Mary so she can learn

The problem of legalism – focuses on a rule and forgets about the person.

What are the “good principles” that people focused on in our previous lessons?

• Disciples and the Blind Man (John 9): sin has consequences
• Simon and the Adulteress (Luke 7): adultry ruins families

This are true statements, but in each account, someone focused on the rule at the expense of the person in need of compassion.

OUR LEGALISM
When has somebody related to you based on his or her rules and forgot about you as a person?

What rules do you have that at times become legalistic?

JUDAS’ LEGALISM
Read John 12:1-8 about Mary Anointing Jesus with Perfume

To Judas, what “good principle” is Mary violating?

• Should not waste money

What is his real motivation in rebuking her?

• He wants to steal it later!

Judas’ rebuke of Mary is dishonest:

• His motivation (really wants to steal money later)
• His focus (really mad at Jesus)
  

IDOLS
We are worshipping beings. Whether it is God or money or other things in the world, we are inclined to focus our attention on something. What do these three people organize their life around?

PERSON: Martha
IDOL: Works, productivity
HOW IDOL SHAPES BEHAVIOR: Short-tempered, impatient, misses opportunities to connect with others

PERSON: Judas
IDOL: Money
HOW IDOL SHAPES BEHAVIOR: Greedy, selfish, mean toward others

PERSON: Mary
IDOL: Jesus
HOW IDOL SHAPES BEHAVIOR: Gentle, humble, willing to listen and learn

THE PECULIAR BLINDNESS OF THE LEGALIST
Legalism tends to make us blind to our behaviors which violate the vary laws we try to uphold. Look at these three examples:

• Martha accuses Mary of wasting time and Jesus of not caring. However, Martha ends up wasting time by taking time out of her duties to complain to Jesus, and demonstrates that she does not care about Mary's spiritual growth by wishing she would help with the preparations rather than listen to Jesus.
  
• Judas accuses Mary of wasting money by pouring the perfume on Jesus' feet. However, Judas has been stealing from the disciples finances!
  
• Simon accuses Jesus of being blind to the sins of the adulterous woman who interrupted the dinner in Simon's home. However, Simon is blind to the woman's repentance and genuine worship and to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.
  

PRAYING GOD'S WORD
Use the following passages to pray God’s Word back to Him, either on your own or with others:

• “Lord, I have no excuse. I pass judgment on others, but at whatever point I judge them, I am condemning myself, because I who pass judgment do the same things!” (Romans 2:1)
  

BEING THE REAL DEAL
Here are some ways to apply this message from God’s Word:

• Make a list of the things that bug you about other people. Ask yourself, “Do I do any of these things?” Ask one or two people who know you well the question, “Do I do any of these things?"
  
• Ask God to open your eyes to any areas of legalism in your life. Commit these areas to prayer, asking God to turn your attention to the people around you instead of the rules!