You’ve probably read this story before…
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 38-42 NLT
I have always been intrigued by this story because I’m a Martha. I feel helpless and unimportant if I’m not busy doing, going, serving. I would have complained as Martha did. In fact, I’m almost certain I have. I identify with her and always felt sympathy for her when Jesus sets her straight.
In this story, Mary’s got it right. She’s sitting at the feet of Jesus. Spending time and soaking in whatever she can from being in His presence. Letting the little things go and concentrating on Christ.
Jesus, make this Martha…a Mary. Teach me to sit at your feet and be focused on the one thing that is worthy of my concern.
Any other Marthas out there? Join me in becoming a Mary.
-Insights from my life….just another pastor’s wife.
I preached on this for mother’s day. A lady who used to be part of the church before moving out of town was visiting. She came up to me afterwards and challenged my whole sermon. Her argument, it’s okay to be a Martha. I said, “Not when Jesus is around. When the master is there, sit at his feet.” We know Mary had it right because Jesus affirmed her saying she chose the better thing, and when Jesus says something is better, it’s better. This is really perfect for pastor’s wives. Marly has been going and going and going recently (as most pastor’s spouses do) and some great things have happened, but we need that time of sitting at the master’s feet.
Great blog!
We just finished a bible study on this very subject in our women’s prayer group! (We were a total bunch of Marthas by the way!) We used the book “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver, subtitled “Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life” I highly recommend it – an interesting and enjoyable read. If you want it and can’t get your hands on it, I will loan you my copy. Let me know and I’ll mail it to you.