As I was just praying what to share and came across two devotions back to back on this passage, I guess I will pause here.
Are you a Mary or a Martha based on the story that is traditionally told?
The Martha’s of the world tend to be the ones who are consistently doing. They are always busy, and if there was work anywhere within a hundred miles, they know how to find it. I think this is where many women find themselves. Society tells us we need to keep doing and doing. Society tells us we need to wear ‘busy’ like a badge of honor.
When asked how are you doing? We barely pause, and the answer is usually proudly ‘busy, busy’ – both happy and frustrated that we are so busy.
Then, here’s Mary. Instead of rushing around doing everything that society tells her, she’s taking time to pause and sit at Jesus’ feet to listen and be still.
Martha sees that in that moment, she’s doing all the work and calls to Jesus for Him to send Mary back to work and instead His response is ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’.
Martha gets no help from Jesus on this one.
Can I share my take on this passage?
Mary and Martha had been busy preparing for Jesus to come to dinner. All the preparations and hard work had been done already so that Jesus, the disciples and friends could have a meal together and be comfortable. Mary then chose to go rest, sit at Jesus’ feet and be still. Martha saw everything that they still could be doing – and just couldn’t close her eyes and turn her mind off – so she kept going and was annoyed with her sister.
Friends, I firmly believe there is a time to be both Mary AND Martha. Do ALL the preparations that can be done, but when Jesus visits, sit with Him and be present. The dishes will get washed later. Enjoy your time with God and simply be still.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that these are lessons that I could do well to learn. Help me to do my part of preparing, but also help me to learn how to trust you so that I can know that I have done all I can to prepare, then sit at your feet and trust that you will do the rest, which will allow me to truly rest in You.
