The story of Mary and Martha is often used to illustrate different approaches to priorities. Martha focuses on various tasks, becoming preoccupied and missing what might be considered more important moments. On the other hand, Mary chooses to prioritize spending time in a meaningful way, focusing on what she believes to be most important.
Mary and Martha are the sisters of Lazarus, whom Christ raised from the dead in John 11. Jesus and His disciples have travelled to Bethany, where Martha welcomed them into her home. It was a regular practice in the Jewish culture to show hospitality to strangers, but Jesus was no stranger; He was a friend of the family.
Mary, having Jesus in her house, chose to sit at His feet rather than continue to help with catering. Sitting at Jesus’s feet shows Mary’s devotion in hearing the message of Jesus. She respected the wisdom and authority of Jesus. Sitting at Jesus’s feet shows she values Jesus’s word and prioritizes her spiritual learning more than anything else.
Martha, on the other hand, wants everything to be perfect. She was distracted by the many preparations. She was more focused on acts of service rather than spiritual service to Jesus. Martha, though her service was commendable, what she needed the most was to give her guest her undivided attention. She was prioritizing the wrong thing. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God, and that is what Martha needed to do was to prioritize Jesus.
Martha was unaware that the Master was present at her house. Her primary responsibility was to provide Him with her full attention. Instead of experiencing feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed, she needed to find calm by resting and listening, as her sister Mary did. Jesus reaffirmed this when Martha requested His assistance, as Mary was engaged in listening to Jesus while Martha was occupied with the work alone.
Martha was worried and upset, a fact that Jesus recognized. He addressed her concerns with compassion, indicating what was required of her at that moment. While Martha’s intention to serve was commendable, it resulted in her feeling stressed and distracted. Although her feelings were valid, only “one thing was necessary,” which was to sit at the feet of Jesus [the good part], an inheritance that remains untouchable by anyone.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4
Many individuals often prioritize work, ministry, and family over spending time at the feet of Jesus and allowing Him to minister to them. It is crucial to fill our souls with the word of God, as this enables us to replenish what we have poured into various aspects of our lives. Without dedicating time to be with God, it becomes challenging to restore the energy and passion we have extended to these different areas.
Reflection: Do you align yourself with Mary, who has prioritized spiritual learning and growth as the “good part,” or with Martha, who has allowed temporary matters to distract her from attaining spiritual nourishment?
Let’s close in prayer…
Lord Jesus, help me to be like Mary, who chose rest, learning, and spiritual nourishment instead of allowing trivial things to distract me from what is truly important. Please help me to seek you first, above everyone and everything else. Help me to choose the good part, which is my eternal blessing. In Jesus’ name.
Amen!
