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At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Most of us have heard this story and many can relate to Martha. Our culture glorifies the busy. Do you have a busy badge? I’ll confess, I do!
Martha was fluttering around the house trying to get everything just perfect for Jesus as her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening intently. I can put myself in Martha’s shoes, I feel a swell of bitterness as I lug my heavy expectations for the perfect meal, the clean home, and getting things just right for the company and imagine how I would feel as my co-host relaxed.
And this company isn’t just any company, this company is the Messiah! Martha opened her home to Him, and now as she tries to get things just right her sister reclines at His feet. Grrrr.
At her complaints Jesus replies and His words pierce my soul, “you are worried and upset about many things” have you felt the weight of worry and frustration? I have! Lord help us. Then he continues, “but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”
Can you hear screeching breaks in Martha’s head? I have been Martha, so busy with worry and frustration that I miss the moment. So intent to get everything right that I am unable to sit down and enjoy it. Like Martha, I too have lost focus on what really matters. Wrapped up in works instead of resting in Jesus.
Jesus is not planning a trip to visit for dinner, He is not scheduled to show up for Thanksgiving, there is nothing you need to prepare, He is already here, and He desires your attention. He doesn’t care about the cobwebs or the dish in the sink, He will not shame you for an unmade bed He just wants you to sit at His feet.
He just wants your time, your attention, and your love. Lord make me like Mary, so that I might focus on what really matters and in return choose what is better and cannot be taken away, time with you Jesus. -Amen