Martha

Luke 10:41-42 NIV

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 don’t know about you, but I might as well replace Martha’s name with my own in the above scripture. In today’s world, it seems as though the hours in the day are getting fewer and the to-do list is getting longer. It makes it incredibly easy to get as distracted and busy as Martha was. I even find I want to defend Martha sometimes when I read this scripture! But really, how would Mary and Jesus eat if Martha wasn’t running around preparing their meals? Ha! Then I realize I am still worrying and doing the exact opposite of what Jesus is telling Martha. There is something far more important than a perfect meal and being the perfect host!

For those who aren’t familiar with the story, Luke 10:38-42 goes like this…

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.”

In this situation, Martha is running around worried about getting food prepared, but I believe this line should apply to all the situations that make us worry and that distract us from Jesus. I should probably write it on sticky notes and place them around my house to remind me of this. Maybe you can relate.

Closing Thoughts:

Is there a situation that is distracting you from sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to what He wants to tell you? Try replacing Martha’s name with your own. Jesus is telling you that there is no need to worry and be upset by all these other things in your life. He is the most important one to turn our attention to.

John 14:6 NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.