February 19th
PEOPLE JESUS MET
Profile: On all three occasions where Mary is mentioned in the Gospels, we find her ‘at the feet’ of the Lord (Luke 10:39; John 11:32; 12:3). On one occasion Martha and her sister Mary were serving guests in their home in Bethany, when Mary left off helping to listen to Jesus. Martha, though, was “distracted” by all the work, so complained about her sister. Jesus tenderly replied "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part." The Lord’s preference is to serve and feed us rather than for us to run ragged constantly serving him. Prioritising on him as the “one thing” (Luke 18:22; Php 3:13) brings perspective and peace. Months later, in the account of the raising of Lazarus, it is Martha who went out to meet Jesus, whilst Mary stayed indoors.
PEOPLE JESUS MET
MARTHA – Distracted
MARTHA – Distracted
“Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over
nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
Luke 10:41-42, The Message
nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”
Luke 10:41-42, The Message
Profile: On all three occasions where Mary is mentioned in the Gospels, we find her ‘at the feet’ of the Lord (Luke 10:39; John 11:32; 12:3). On one occasion Martha and her sister Mary were serving guests in their home in Bethany, when Mary left off helping to listen to Jesus. Martha, though, was “distracted” by all the work, so complained about her sister. Jesus tenderly replied "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part." The Lord’s preference is to serve and feed us rather than for us to run ragged constantly serving him. Prioritising on him as the “one thing” (Luke 18:22; Php 3:13) brings perspective and peace. Months later, in the account of the raising of Lazarus, it is Martha who went out to meet Jesus, whilst Mary stayed indoors.
Lessons:
- Martha was open and honest enough to express her doubts to Jesus.
- Jesus did not blame Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities.
- It is true that the Bible says, “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When it comes to man, that is true. But when it comes to God, He wants to give and we need to receive. In fact, unless we learn how to receive from God, we will have nothing to give to man. Like Martha, we tend to reverse the roles.
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Jesus is the best dish in the house!
Jesus is the best dish in the house!
