In the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany, Jesus is welcomed as a guest. Martha, eager to serve and make everything perfect for such an important visitor, becomes distracted and overwhelmed by her many tasks. Meanwhile, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to His words. This contrast between Martha’s busyness and Mary’s devotion highlights a tension many of us feel: the pull between doing for God and simply being with Him.
It’s easy to sympathize with Martha. When someone important comes to visit, we want everything to be just right. Martha’s actions are not wrong in themselves—serving is good and necessary. But the problem arises when service becomes a distraction, pulling us away from the presence of Jesus. Mary recognizes the unique opportunity before her and chooses to prioritize adoration over activity, listening over labor.
Jesus responds to Martha with tenderness, repeating her name to draw her close and speak intimately. He gently points out that she is worried and troubled about many things, but only one thing is truly needed. Mary has chosen that “good part,” and it will not be taken from her. The lesson is not to devalue service, but to recognize that worship and time at Jesus’ feet must come first. When we neglect this, our work becomes a source of worry and frustration rather than joy and strength.
The invitation is to examine our own lives: Are we so encumbered by our “kitchen duties”—our busyness and responsibilities—that we miss encountering Christ? True strength for service comes from time spent in His presence. When our relationship with God is vibrant and prioritized, our relationships with others and our service flow from a place of love and peace. Begin each day sitting at Jesus’ feet, so you can stand strong in whatever comes.
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) — 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.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) — …but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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