Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Jesus Christ Himself is coming to your house. Yes, the very Son of God, whose teachings you’ve held close, is about to step through your front door.
You feel a rush of excitement mixed with a whirlwind of stress. Your home must be spotless, a fitting place for such an honored guest. You scrub the bathrooms until they shine, the kitchen is spotless, and every corner of the living room is dusted. You want everything to be just perfect for Jesus.
In the midst of this frenzy, you notice your sister. Instead of helping with the preparations, she’s sitting quietly, seemingly unbothered by the flurry of activities. It’s frustrating. Doesn’t she realize the magnitude of this visit? You’re embodying Martha, bustling around, ensuring that every detail is taken care of, a perfect picture of service.
But let’s not overlook your sister, embodying Mary, who chooses a different way to honor Jesus. She sits at His feet, listening intently to His words. It’s easy to think she’s not doing her part, but there’s an important lesson unfolding here.
Fast forward to another moment in the Bible, where Mary breaks an alabaster box of very costly ointment to anoint Jesus, preparing Him for His burial. This act, met with criticism by some, is praised by Jesus. He declares that wherever the Gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told as a memorial to her. This powerful moment, this act of deep devotion, stems from the lessons Mary learned while sitting at Jesus’ feet.
Both roles, Martha’s service and Mary’s fellowship, are crucial in the Christian life. Martha’s diligence in serving creates the environment where others can come, listen, and grow in their faith. It’s through her efforts that a space is made for teaching and fellowship. This service is an act of love, a foundation that allows the message of Christ to be shared and experienced in a welcoming, nurturing setting.
On the other hand, Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen reflects the importance of fellowship with Christ. It’s not just about being physically present; it’ about receiving and applying His teachings. Mary’s act of breaking the alabaster box and anointing Jesus was not just a gesture of worship; it was a testament to the depth of understanding and love she had for Him, something that could only be cultivated through devoted fellowship.
Mary learned from Jesus, the importance of knowing Him personally and deeply. This knowledge empowered her to perform an act of love and worship that would be remembered forever. It shows us that taking time to be with Jesus, to listen and learn from Him, is not time wasted. It is, in fact, the most valuable use of our time, teaching us truths that go beyond what we can immediately see or understand.
The story of Martha and Mary teaches us the balance needed in a Christian’s life. Service and fellowship are both essential. Like Martha, we should serve diligently, creating opportunities for others to grow in faith. Like Mary, we must also take time to be still before the Lord, learning from Him and preparing ourselves for the acts of service He calls us to.
In the end, the harmony between serving like Martha and being in fellowship like Mary is what should aim for. It’s not about choosing one over the other but understanding that both are vital in following Christ.
This story invites us to examine our own lives. Are we balancing our service with our fellowship? Are we so caught up in the doing that we forget who we are doing it for? Or perhaps we’re content with listening but hesitate to put faith into action.
Let the story of Martha and Mary be a guide, reminding you that in our busy lives, taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet is not only valuable but necessary. From this place of deep relationship and understanding, we are equipped and inspired to serve in ways that truly reflect the heart of God.
