Duties of a Virtuous Woman

Pastor Carol Grace ♦ May 22, 2024 ♦ Leave a comment

(NIV) 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

I love this scripture so much that I have used it three times in sermons! I love that Martha was so close to Jesus she was not too intimidated to speak to Him in a rather stern manner. “Tell her to help me!” is not the approach I would take. After all, she is speaking to the Son of God!

Martha was certainly industrious and not idle. I’m sure she was a great hostess, but she was frustrated! When Jesus came to visit He was not alone—He came with disciples, curiosity seekers, and others. And Mary, instead of helping with the work, sat at Jesus’ feet.

At first glance it would appear Martha was exhibiting all of the qualities of a virtuous woman. There was cleaning to do, cooking, probably buying extra supplies. Yet, Jesus commended Mary and not Martha.

Jesus could have easily chastised Mary, not only for leaving Martha to do the bulk of the work. But, also, it is likely Mary was the sole woman sitting and listening to Jesus. After all, sitting at the feet of the teacher was the posture of men who were being prepared to preach. Yet, Jesus said Mary, rather than Martha, had chosen the better part.

But wait a moment. What is really going on here? Martha, in her zeal to provide her guests with the perfect evening, has not taken the time to assess what Jesus really desired. Did he want or need an elaborate meal? No. Jesus loved Martha and Mary, and what he desired was an evening with his friends, where he could share not just their table, but their heart.

Martha’s motives were not in question–she simply got so caught up in the business of the day that she became preoccupied and missed the real reason for Jesus’ visit. Is this not a lesson many of us would do well to learn?

Mary certainly saw Martha hurrying around making preparations for the evening meal. No doubt she knew Martha was angry because the work was being left to her. But Mary would not be dissuaded from her purpose–sitting at the feet of her teacher, learning spiritual lessons that would last far beyond the physical food that Martha was preparing.

Martha learned a valuable lesson. There is work to be done, but what part is necessary and what part do we add due to our misguided plans? Jesus lovingly called Martha by name, and to emphasize the importance of what he said, he repeated her name. A rebuke, yes, but gentle and loving.

There is a need for Marthas and Marys, but we must learn a proper balance. And, when we have the chance to sit at our Master’s feet, let us take it.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.