Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
The story of Martha and Mary is a short one but there is a big lesson to be learned from it. The main point comes when Martha asks Jesus to send Mary to help her, and Jesus gently says no, then explains His meaning. Do we understand as well?
Jesus doesn’t tell Martha what she is doing is wrong, but that what Mary is doing is more valuable. In essence, Jesus tells us “don’t worry if supper is late, sit and listen to the Good News first”. He warns about getting so wrapped up in our world that we miss the world to come.
Do we see ourselves in the two sisters? Are we distracted by many tasks? Take time to listen for the lessons of love you are given every day. Hear God’s voice and His message for you and then go do the other important things. Your tasks will be waiting but you will be strengthened to accomplish them and share God’s love.
Gracious God, we know that we have things to do today. Help us to choose the better part first, time with you and Your Word, that we may go into the world refreshed by Your love. Amen.
Yes, what Martha was doing was good. But she was missing out on the best.