When talking about women found in the Bible, what is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Martha?” Let me help! People will say, “don’t be a Martha! Always busy about nothing!”
Luke 10:40-42 tell us that Martha “was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him (Jesus) and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Martha’s gift was that of hospitality, and her name means “lady of the house.” She wanted to serve the best meal ever for the most important guest in the world—Jesus. Have you ever been there? So busy with serving in ministry that you forgot the “good part?” But, before we embed in our minds negative thoughts about why we shouldn’t be a “Martha” let’s look closely at her life.
We find in John 11:5 that Jesus loved Martha, her sister Mary and brother Lazarus; and Martha loved Jesus. In verse 20 Martha was:
- The first to greet Jesus when He came to Bethany when He heard Lazarus died.
- Martha was a follower of Jesus and supported Him.
Martha’s priorities were just out of balance! I believe what Jesus was teaching Martha was the importance of priority! Yes, hospitality is important, but worshipping Him and listening to what He had to say was more important, and that is why Mary had the “good part.” Mary wanted to hear what Jesus had to say. Mary wanted to worship and Martha wanted to serve! Martha was distraction and it caused her to be anxious and complaining. Mary was resting at Jesus’ feet. Luke 10 says that Martha was troubled about many things. Jesus wanted to teach her an important principle to “cast all her cares on Him” and to “rest in Him.” Distractions come from Satan. He knows if he keeps us distracted, he is keeping us from the “good part.”
Jesus wants us (men & women) to have the “good part” by sitting quietly at his feet and listening for his voice and guidance. John 15:15 tells us “I (Jesus) have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Isn’t it reassuring to know that Jesus calls us His friend and wants to make known to us what Father God tells him! This can only be accomplished by spending time with Him.
Jesus wants us to use our gifts to help others, but not at the cost of missing out on the “good part” – spend time with Him. Martha loved Jesus! She just had her priorities out of balance. Are you troubled about many things? Do you have an imbalance with your priorities? Put Jesus first and He will take care of everything else.
“Sing Unto The LORD”
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