Summer Series // Alan Bentrup - Luke 10

When I was 18 years old, standing in the middle of 18,000 other teenagers at a National Lutheran Youth Gathering, I sang “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”—and something changed. I wept because I heard Jesus speak to me: “Allan, your life is going to change.”

It took two decades of wandering, detours, and “almosts,” but eventually I found myself wearing a collar and preaching grace as an Episcopal priest. Funny how Jesus works—His voice sticks with you even when you run.

Last week, I was reminded again of that moment—of grace, of presence, of Jesus being both guest and host—while reflecting on a familiar story in Luke 10. It’s one many of us know: the story of Mary and Martha.

Martha is busy, overwhelmed by hospitality. Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet. And Jesus gently calls out to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is needed.”

This isn't a personality test or a condemnation of service. Martha is faithful. She’s doing exactly what Jesus had just instructed in the verses before: to welcome, to prepare, to offer hospitality. But here’s the twist—Jesus isn’t just the guest. He’s also the giver.

And that changes everything.

This story isn’t about contemplation vs. action. It’s about priority. It’s about presence. Before we can serve, we need to sit. Before we feed others, we need to be fed. Before we work for the kingdom, we have to rest with the King.

There’s a line we often prayed growing up Lutheran: “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed.” It hit me differently this week. Jesus isn’t just the one we invite into our homes or churches or ministries. He’s the one who sets the table.

The real challenge? Sometimes we get so busy preparing the meal that we forget to enjoy the feast.

Like Martha, we worry. We hustle. We work hard to serve God—sometimes so hard we forget to actually be with God. We try to be essential, thinking grace somehow depends on our performance. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t.

Grace is the main dish. It’s the better portion. And it won’t be taken away.

So if you’re feeling tired, like the only one carrying the load—whether in your church, your family, your job, or your soul—pause. Listen. Jesus is calling your name.

Maybe today, He’s calling it twice.

Reflection Questions:

• Am I working for God more than I’m sitting with God?

• Have I come to believe—deep down—that grace is something I still have to earn?

• What would it look like to let Jesus serve me today?

Friend, you don’t have to host Jesus. He’s already set the table. Come, be fed.