Pinnacle Message Ministries
SUNDAY ENCOUNTER — SERIES TWO
Sunday Encounter #23 | October 18, 2026
When Jesus Asks for Your Attention
Choosing His Presence in a World of Distractions
Scripture Anchor — Luke 10:42 (KJV)
“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
There are moments when our hands are busy serving God, yet our hearts have little time to listen to Him. We carry responsibilities, answer requests, and care for others. Meanwhile, the quiet invitation of Jesus waits beneath the noise: Come and sit with Me.
In Luke 10:38–42, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Her hospitality was generous, and her work mattered. But while Martha attended to the preparations, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His word.
Eventually, Martha’s frustration overflowed. She asked Jesus whether He cared that her sister had left her to serve alone.
Perhaps we recognize that feeling. We keep giving while silently wondering, “Lord, does anyone see how much I am carrying?”
Jesus saw Martha. His response began with her name: “Martha, Martha.” He acknowledged her anxious, troubled heart and pointed her toward the one thing she needed most.
A Welcoming Home and a Listening Heart
Martha had opened her door to Jesus, but the demands of hosting had crowded her attention. We can experience something similar. Our calendars may contain Christian activities while our thoughts remain hurried and scattered.
Mary’s posture reminds us that discipleship begins with receiving. Before we speak for Christ, we need to hear Him. Before we pour into others, we need the nourishment of His Word.
Jesus says in John 15:5, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Our service depends on our connection to Him.
Bring Your Distractions Into His Presence
God understands the responsibilities of ordinary life. Children need care. Bills require attention. Work must be completed. Sitting at Jesus’ feet does not mean abandoning these duties; it means allowing His truth to shape how we carry them.
Psalm 46:10 calls us to be still and know that He is God. That stillness can begin with a few sincere moments: an open Bible, an honest prayer, a willingness to listen.
Philippians 4:6–7 invites us to bring our concerns to God with thanksgiving. The burden occupying your thoughts can become the very thing you place before Him.
Choose the Good Part Today
Mary made a choice. Among the competing demands of that moment, she gave her attention to Jesus.
We can make that choice too. Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp for our feet. Its light helps us recognize the next faithful step, even when the whole day feels overwhelming.
This week, set aside ten minutes each day to read Scripture and pray. Begin with Luke 10:38–42. Ask, “Lord, what is drawing my attention away from You?” Then carry one truth from His Word into your daily responsibilities.
Matthew 11:28 offers Christ’s invitation to the weary: come to Him and receive rest.
There is room at His feet for you.
Closing Prayer
Father, You see every responsibility I carry. Settle my distracted heart and teach me to listen to Jesus. Let my service grow from time spent with Him. Guide my priorities, renew my strength, and help me welcome Your Word into the ordinary moments of this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pinnacle Message Ministries
This week, make room to listen.
