Martha, Martha!

As Jesus went about His ministry, He developed a following. Many came to where He was because of the incredible things He was doing - healing diseases and casting out demons (Mark 1:34). Between His works and His words (Matt 7:28-29), there was a great curiosity surrounding Jesus of Nazareth. Naturally, once curiosity arose, division followed. It soon became apparent that while many marveled at Jesus, they were not keen on following Him. Those who did seek to follow Him were excited at the prospect of hosting Him; such were Mary and Martha.

In Luke 10:38-42, we have an occasion in which Jesus is reclining at the home of Mary and Martha. In this exchange, we see two very different concerns when in the presence of Christ. On the one hand, we find Mary, who is sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His teachings (Luke 10:39). On the other hand, we find Martha, who is busying herself with serving to such a degree that the Scriptures say she was distracted (Luke 10:40). We find Martha to be frustrated, insisting that the Lord task Mary with helping. Unexpectedly for Martha, the Lord insists that Mary has chosen the good portion - she is doing what is more acceptable.

Martha got caught in the same craze we can sometimes find ourselves in, serving without seeing. She was so concerned with everything being perfect aesthetically that she missed the opportunity that was in front of her. Like Mary, she could be learning from Christ. Like Mary, she could be immersing herself in the presence of God. God came to her home, and like I am sure we would admit, she wanted it to be an experience He never forgot, something which truly honored Him. But she missed what would truly serve in honoring Him, learning from Him.

“Martha, Martha…” Perhaps we could put our names there. Perhaps we too have become so preoccupied with minor details that we have overlooked the greater opportunity. Our lives should be adorned in such a way that glorifies Christ, and nothing glorifies Him more than faithful discipleship.

Will we be like Mary and choose the good portion? Will we sit at His feet and ingest His teachings? Will we draw ourselves to Him and live for Him?