And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. Luke 11:39

I’ve been far too busy again. “Martha Me” showed up at my door to take charge of everything that’s become messy and chaotic. At times, I welcome this “ Martha.” When my household is back in order and when I’m able to serve others without whining, there is a definite pay off in terms of job satisfaction. Well done, I say to myself. Got that To Do List checked off. The affirmation is visible and quantifiable.

The problem is that by the time Martha Me leaves, I am physically worn out. Pretty soon I’m “worried and troubled by too many things” because there is never enough time or energy to finish all the tasks. I forget that these are my “golden”, not the “go getter” years. When tired, I don’t spend time with the Lord to pray or write. When I’m physically exhausted, my defenses are down and the enemy makes his moves. When I focus on personal accomplishments instead of God’s blessings, I climb off God’s lap and sneak onto His throne.

Jesus loved his close friends Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus. He also understood the two sisters extremely well. In Luke 11:38 ff., it is told that Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Her gift was hospitality and generosity. But that very admirable trait quickly caused her to be distracted with too much serving which fell solely on her shoulders. And what of her sister Mary?

Luke writes that Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. Some Bible versions say she listened to His “ message, His teaching, what He was saying, to His words.” Of interest, Mary also sat listening to Jesus, implying that other disciples were present listening to their teacher. Mary was right in the middle of them – not in the kitchen with Martha.

I can just imagine Martha fussing in the background, preparing the meal, muttering under her breath. Many of us have had these Martha situations when we are stuck cooking or cleaning up after a big meal while family members are nowhere to be found. Martha served because she was naturally a responsible woman and believed she was pleasing the Lord. But “doing” excluded her from what Mary enjoyed, time with Jesus.

Mary has sometimes been depicted as the spoiled, even lazy younger sister. She allowed Martha to do all the work while she indulged herself with the Lord at Martha’s expense. Thus, Isn’t Martha’s resentment just a tad justifiable? Jesus would say, No. We are admonished against resentment.

Jesus replied, … only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

Mary too had a gift. If Martha’s heart was to serve, then Mary’s heart was to be with Jesus, listening to His Voice and adoring Him. When Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, she responded as a disciple because in the Jewish tradition sitting at a rabbi’s s feet was a sign of following him. Jesus’ words addressed Mary’s hunger and yearning. His presence in the household drew her close, but Jesus’ message was the Gospel of God’s kingdom. Mary responded to the power of the Word of God – the better part which could not be taken from her. Like the two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus, does not our Mary heart burn as Jesus teaches us and opens our minds?

I understand both women. The role models I grew up with were stoic German versions of Martha: busy, organized – and exhausting themselves for others and who like Martha were not always quiet or gracious servants. I am quite good in the Martha role but when Jesus says it is the lesser good, the Holy Spirit invites me to examine what my heart really desires.

It’s Mary I long to be like – Mary who hangs on Jesus’ every word; Mary who is curious and inquisitive; Mary with hunger for truth; Mary with the God given capacity to learn attentively; Mary in the presence of the Word. I don’t want to put Martha Me away entirely. I need her at times and Jesus definitely loves her also. What I desire is the better part commended by the Lord Jesus. The better part is the grace and wonder of Jesus Himself.

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

What a wonderful gift we have in Christ! By the indwelling of Holy Spirit we get to serve Him out of gratitude, gaze upon His blessed face in adoration and hear that beloved Voice speaking, teaching, revealing and transforming.