Read
Martha and Mary
38 The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
41The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Reflect
There are some Bible stories that really give us trouble. Different stories for different people for different reasons.
Take this Mary and Martha story, for example. It’s a short one, but that little paragraph won’t leave me alone.
Scripture doesn’t tell us how they came to know of Jesus, but the sisters are honoured to accept him into Martha’s home (v 38). Mary sits at his feet, like the male disciples soaking up anything Jesus says (v 39). This was unusual, given the status of women in that society (but it was typical of the way Jesus treated women). Martha is flustered, trying to be a good woman and a good hostess. Jesus has at least 12 disciples with him, and probably a crowd of other followers. That’s a lot of guests to be fed and cared for.
It is understandable that she would want to give Jesus her best. It is also understandable that she would want her sister to help (v 40). I would have reacted the same way.
“Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her” (vv 41-42). We don’t know how Martha responded when Jesus refused to make Mary help out.
But we know Jesus was not condemning her. Elsewhere scripture explicitly states that Jesus loves Martha (John 11:5) … and Mary and their brother Lazarus too. He is gently rebuking her, because he loves her.
There is work to do – true. But Jesus doesn’t want her to be worried and upset. Do the work, just don’t miss the moment … and the blessings right under your nose.
This is the hard part for Martha and for me. For many of us, I suspect.
Respond
Dear Father in Heaven, You are the most patient. Your kindness knows no bounds. We thank you for your gentle teaching and pray that you will help us each to see you clearly throughout the busyness of our lives. In Christ’s precious name, Amen.
Jo Lynne Duck (Sheane)
Once found on the national airwaves as a reporter, Jo Lynn Duck (Sheane) now lives in Windsor, Ontario joyfully living as a wife and mom of two school-aged children. She also completed a Master of Theological Studies at Tyndale Seminary. She taught journalism at St. Clair College and worked as a local producer until she switched gears completely. She is now the Admissions and Marketing Coordinator for Maranatha Christian Academy in Windsor.