Becoming a Mary

As we continue to follow Jesus’ footsteps we next come “to a certain village” in Luke 10:38-42 where we meet two sisters, Martha and Mary. It’s obvious from the start that Martha is the dominant one. She’s the one who welcomes Jesus into her home, then begins busying herself with serving. But what does Mary do? She sits down at Jesus’ feet ready to receive whatever He’s going to impart. By this time Jesus was famous. Many believed He was the Messiah and His miracles were the talk of the entire community. There’s no way Mary wanted to miss a word Jesus was going to say.

But this produces conflict. Martha is immediately put out. Now all the work will fall on her shoulders. And that simply wasn’t fair. Taking the bull by the horns, Martha goes to Jesus and complains, certain He’ll correct this injustice. “Lord,” she says, “is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Ah, now Mary was in for it. Jesus had a way of bringing negligent, indolent people back in line! But how keen Martha’s disappointment must have been when Jesus replies, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled by many things. But only one thing is needful and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

What? You mean it pleased Jesus to have Mary sitting near Him? Eager to hear what He had to say? And not help Martha? Yes, exactly! And Jesus called it “that good part,” the one thing “needful.” And oh how needful it is to take time out of our busy schedules and spend time sitting at Jesus’ feet. Reading His word. Praying. Praising. And just listening. It’s actually this “good part” this “needful” thing that sets us up for the rest of the day, that enables us to be the best Marthas we can be, able to go about the business of life, doing our job, and serving others.

It’s easier for me to be a Martha than a Mary. Easier to run around and do things. It’s the dominant side of my personality, too. I’ve welcomed Jesus into my home (my heart) but so many times, instead of spending time with Him I busy myself with other things. But here’s the rub: in order to do the things we need to do and do them well, we first need to be a Mary, and spend time with God, spend time in His presence, and allow Him to pour into us all that we’ll need to fully experience a new day His way: with joy, strength and confidence, even in the midst of trials and tribulation. As I said before, it’s not easy to be a Mary. It requires discipline and a willingness to invest time in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. But if Jesus calls it “that good part” the one thing “needful” isn’t it worth doing?

Until next time,

Sylvia