The Command
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'” (Luke 10:38-42)
What It Means
Martha’s serving is good work, and Jesus doesn’t tell her to stop. He points to the worry that came along with it, and how it pushed out time with him.
I understand Martha. I just hosted a Halloween party, and I wanted everything to be just right. But in reality, no one cares whether the spread is right. Everyone just wants to be together. I would never hold anyone else to the standard I put on myself when I host, so why do I? This passage is about choosing Jesus, and I think of it as choosing my relationship with him over the pressure to get hosting, work, or parenting right.
Try It Today
Where are you holding yourself, and maybe the people around you, to a standard of getting everything just right? Set one task down today and spend that time with Jesus, or with the people around you.
Tonight’s Prayer
Lord, I was busy about many things today. Show me where I’m trying to prove something, and help me choose time with you over the work. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.