Mary & Martha

03/07/2020

An introduction to two sisters with differing priorities.

Luke 10:38-42

38"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

From the first verse, we observe Martha’s hospitality which is a great practice encouraged many times throughout scripture for believers to extend to others. Yet as Martha was serving diligently we are told she was distracted by it and that it was 'much' (done to a great extent). Mary, on the other hand, sat at the feet of Jesus to listen to His word and was not concerned by the serving her sister was doing. As I read this, I’m imagining Martha’s frustration, and can relate to it! “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” I imagine that any of us in a similar position may have uttered the same words. But while Martha's attitude appears justified, at least from the earthly-minded perspective, she is far from true worship and service. Her statement first questioned the Lord's concern for her (“Lord, do You not care..."), secondly, it revealed the resentment she harbored (“…my sister has left me to serve alone), and thirdly, revealed her nature as she commanded Jesus! (Therefore tell her to help me!). The abundance of Martha’s heart very well reflected someone who was discontented.

Yes, she did well by inviting Christ into her home and even serving Him. But what was the point if she wouldn't be emotionally and mentally available? Martha reads as an overworked woman, distracted, demanding/commanding, worried and troubled! She was fretting over much especially as what she had to offer Jesus was incomparable to what He had to offer her! And how did the Lord respond to Martha’s command to instruct her sister Mary? He instead corrected Martha and contrasted her priorities with Mary’s. Martha was full of concern which Jesus had mentioned in the previous gospel chapter of Mark (4:18-19), “Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Regardless of how productive Martha was to her earthly pursuits, she would still be unfruitful spiritually if she didn't rearrange her priorities...

Mary, on the other hand, while we do not know her thoughts and response, was probably not lazy. Rather, she had a thirst and hunger for the truth of God’s word. And that, Jesus, pointed out, was the better part! While Martha had earthly concerns like many of us do, Mary exemplified where we all need to be, understanding the one priority that is required of all of us--the one thing needed--which is to sit at the feet of Jesus: demonstrating a heart longing for God and His truth, a heart that is submissive to God’s will and one who is in complete devotion to Christ! “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." Jesus affirms that Mary had chosen what was good and it certainly would not be taken from her!

Matthew 5:6 - “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” and that’s a promise! I've learned that we cannot feed/serve others when we are spiritually starved. Who do you resolve to be like? Mary or Martha?