Luke 10: 38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 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!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
The lesson here regarding Mary is pretty clear to me. I should put my Christian walk above all else when there is a choice to be made. But for Martha? Maybe it was her whole outlook that needed to change. Her priorities were off, and Jesus recognized this. At this particular time, maybe it would have been best for Martha to listen in while preparing food for her guests. But this doesn't seem like the most important thing to take away from the story. Her attitude needed changing. She was missing the point and was missing an opportunity. She was allowing the "everyday" to take over. This is another example of Jesus going against cultural norms for women, and going with inclusion in His kingdom.
Lord God, thank you for this story, and for this new understanding. Your Word is so powerful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday, July 28th, 2023
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
When Jesus comes to Bethany, Martha…
Luke 10:38-42
Martha knew her place. She was a woman of her time. Her job was to be a doer. Do the cleaning, do the cooking, and do the serving. It didn’t matter that it was Jesus. visiting. He was a friend—he would understand. And he did understand. When asked, he told Martha that these things were not as important as time spent with him as Mary had been doing. Some commentaries use the word rebuked to explain Jesus’ reply. I disagree—I can see him extending his hand and gently pulling Martha down to sit with him and Mary. He would be smiling and his voice calm. This is our reminder to be sure we are spending time…