Luke
10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a
woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called
Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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!”
“Martha,
Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about
many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha or Mary.
I’ve heard
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I may have even asked that myself.
But in seeking an answer to the inquiry, I think I missed the point of this
story.
Imagine
preparing for a visit from the one person on this earth who you’ve been waiting
for; that one man who came to save all people from sin. Let that sink in. Jesus
is coming to visit. The Messiah himself will be dining at your table.
Martha, the
obvious caregiver in the story, seeks to prepare her home for her guest. Yet,
her sister Mary, instead of mixing the bread dough or setting the table, sits
at Jesus’ feet to soak in his wisdom.
Again with
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” According to what Jesus says, it
doesn’t matter. Both women are valued and loved.
When Martha called
for Mary to help her, Jesus stopped her. You see, Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher.
He didn’t condemn Martha for her efforts to host him, instead he offered her an
invitation. He didn’t say don’t be like Martha, instead he reached out and
invited her to stop what she was doing and join him as he taught God’s truth.
He didn’t
condemn Martha, he invited her to join him. This is kind of a big deal. In
Jesus’ day women didn’t sit at a teacher’s feet and learn. But Jesus invited all
men, women, and children to hear God’s truth.
Jesus still
calls every one of us to read his word, share in his wisdom, believe in him,
and accept his grace.
Sit at Rabbi
Jesus’ feet and hear his truth.