In addition to the twelve apostles, and the other disciples that followed Him throughout His ministry, Jesus had a number of friends who believed in Him, and helped to supply His needs. Among these were Mary, and her sister Martha, and their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Our Scripture today tells the account of one event in their relationship with Jesus, one that only the evangelist Luke records. Let’s see what happened that day with Jesus.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived in the village of Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. Jesus and His disciples would frequently visit there when they were in Jerusalem, their home being a place they could rest, away from the crowds. The three were good hosts, and their home was a place where Jesus felt welcomed, loved, and cared for.
As we look into our Scripture from Luke’s Gospel, we read of one visit of Jesus to this home. As Jesus and the disciples relaxed in the main room of the house, Martha was scurrying around, trying to prepare a meal, get the extra plates and glasses out, set out some snacks, straightening things around the house, etc. She was probably getting somewhat flustered and stressed out. Meanwhile, her sister Mary was sitting on the floor at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to what He was saying to the group (vs. 38-39). She was not worried at that moment what the house looked like, or whether they would have the perfect dinner a little later. Instead, what was important to her at that moment was the words Jesus was speaking, and being in His presence. No matter how much noise Martha was making in the kitchen, rattling around with pots and pans, and probably heavy sighing to get Mary’s attention for help, Mary’s attention was glued on Jesus.
Finally Martha’s patience broke, and she came into the room, interrupting Jesus, and complained to Him that her sister wasn’t helping, that He didn’t seem to care about that, and that she was doing all the work by herself! (vs. 40). However, instead of getting the response she was hoping for, that Jesus would scold Mary and make her help, Jesus gently scolded Martha for being so worried about things that weren’t that important. What Mary chose to do, listening to Him, “that good part”, was what was important (vs. 41-42). The priority of personal devotion to Jesus is more important than even well-intentioned service.
Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet shows a believer’s highest calling, that of personal communion with Jesus through His Word. Martha’s busyness, even though she meant well, shows how even ministry can become a distraction away from Him. Because of her misplaced priorities, Martha soon became filled with anxiety and worry, things no one wants in their life.
As we look closer into Jesus’ interactions with the two sisters, we see that He wasn’t scolding Martha for her service or hospitality. Service is good, but only when it flows from a heart grounded in worship and truth. Hospitality is commendable, but it must not replace worship. Martha welcomed Jesus physically, but Mary welcomed Him spiritually. Misplaced priorities can lead to a spiritual imbalance in our life, and even to resentment. Because of Martha putting priority on getting a meal together, instead of listening to Jesus’ Words like Mary was, she was soon frustrated. This led her to finally bring a complaint, not only against Mary, but subtly against Jesus, Himself (vs. 40).
Jesus knew that Martha was anxious and overwhelmed. He reminded her that the spiritual peace she really needed would come, not from doing more, but from abiding in Him (John 15:5). Jesus told her, and tells us today, as well, that the supreme priority is fellowship with Him. Mary’s choice was the eternal one, and it would not be taken away from her. Time spent in God’s Word and in prayer has lasting spiritual value. Mary followed the first and greatest commandment, that of loving God with all her heart, soul, and mind.
Many Christians today make the mistake of Martha, they let their ministry replace a close and personal time with God. Service to the church and community is good, but if we neglect personal devotion, the service becomes hollow. Like Mary, we need to prioritize our quiet time with Jesus, guarding our time for Bible study and prayer. That is the “good part” that fuels our Christian life.
If both sisters had done what they should, and sat at Jesus’ feet, learning from Him, they would have been spiritually fed. True, there wouldn’t have been a gourmet meal later. It may have ended up being a buffet style “make your own sandwiches” type meal, but in the long run that would have been better. Jesus would not have minded. To have fellowship with Jesus, we may have to leave some things undone. Our greatest need is to spend time with Him.
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