Presence, service, and spiritual priorities
Martha, Mary, and the One Thing Needed
Mike Signorelli sermon | Published April 20, 2025 | 34 minutes
Mike Signorelli follows Martha, Mary, and Lazarus across Luke 10, John 11, and John 12. Through their story and a personal ministry example, he contrasts anxious service with attentive presence and shows how grace transforms ordinary service into love for the one person God has placed in front of you.
Big idea
Purpose is formed in the presence of Jesus, and faithful service flows from receiving grace rather than trying to earn what God gives as a gift.
Primary Scriptures
- Luke 10:38-42
- John 11:1-44
- John 12:1-8
Sermon outline
- Hear Jesus address distracted and anxious service
- Choose the one thing needed before pursuing visible purpose
- Watch grief and faith meet Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb
- Receive grace as a gift rather than a reward
- Pour out worship and serve the one in front of you
Key takeaways
- Service becomes unhealthy when it replaces presence with Jesus.
- The gospel is received as grace, not earned through ministry activity.
- Large vision should not make believers overlook the individual person.
- Worship can reshape both grief and vocation.
Preach your version
Use the source sermon as a research starting point, then study the biblical text in context and build an original message for your own people.
- Where is your church busy for Jesus but inattentive to Jesus?
- Who is the one person hidden inside your current assignment?
- What practice will help listeners choose presence before performance?