Luke 10:38-42 (NCV) 38 While Jesus and his followers were traveling, Jesus went into a town. A woman named Martha let Jesus stay at her house. 39 Martha had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”
Martha’s Distraction Mary’s Devotion
Preparing for Jesus and guests Only Jesus
Working for perfection Working for the kingdom
Too busy to hear the message Learning to spread the Word
So many issues in these verses:
1. Martha is a close enough friend of Jesus to scold him (Tell her to help me!)
2. Martha trying to do too many things
3. Martha has a house occupied by herself, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus which indicates she is financially secure. Probably has household help
4. Jesus does not chastise Mary, as Martha expected, but instead cautions Martha
5. Very likely Martha has already asked for help multiple times, but either Mary did not do enough to meet Martha’s expectations, or, she ignored Martha altogether
6. Mary is not partaking in the normal household duties of a woman. Instead, she is totally focused on the Teacher along with the male disciples.
How do we determine “the better thing?”
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 found in Proverbs 31. 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. It is what I like to call “a teachable moment.“
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
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Seeking Holiness 