Week 14
Luke 10:41-42 “The Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Jesus loved Martha and Mary. He had often spent time in their home in Bethany. He was close to these sisters and their brother, Lazarus. His words to Martha sound like a rebuke, and if they are a rebuke, they are a mild rebuke meant to correct her and help her with the problem of worry.
Many miss the problem here. The problem is not that Martha is serving and taking care of physical needs. The problem is not that she is involving herself with kitchen duties. The problem is worry and irritation. Martha is upset about the duties she is performing, and she is especially upset that Mary is not helping her in the kitchen. She says in 10:40, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?” She is frustrated that Mary isn’t doing what she (Martha) is doing. Martha imposes her priorities and perspectives onto Mary, as if Martha is the one to decide what is the most important duty at hand. And what Martha says in verse 10 makes it clear that she has moved her frustration from Mary to Jesus, “Don’t You care?” When worry, irritation, and frustration take over our lives, and we begin by pointing the finger at someone, soon we will begin to point the finger at God. Every time we are upset in life, this always leads to anger with God.
So, Jesus helped Martha. First, Jesus identifies Martha’s problem; He says, “You are worried and bothered about so many things.” It is as if Jesus says, “Martha, you are distracted (see 10:40a), and you have allowed this distraction to take over your serving. You have lost the joy of serving, and you have become a criticizer of Mary.” Martha should have thought, “I am grateful that I have the opportunity to minister to the needs of my Lord and my family. Thank You, Lord, for this privilege.” But instead, Martha becomes angry and bitter. This is a spiritual cancer that removes love in service and joy in life.
Second, Jesus explains the priorities of life. There are many comforts that are not necessities. Some things we must learn to live without. But we must come to realize what the main priority of life truly is. One’s relationship to Jesus Christ is the vital and necessary aspect of life. Mary had chosen that priority in life. This was wise on her part.
Third, Jesus defends Mary to Martha. Jesus says as it were, “I will not take away from Mary the blessing that she has received by making a wise choice in life.” This shows Jesus’ mindset. He understands His people, and He will defend us.
Precious Christian friend, live wisely. Choose the better part. Many things need to be done in life, but we must never neglect or overlook the main thing in life. Let us keep our focus on Christ and our walk with Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me not to be distracted from the primary and most important aspect of life. Please help me to keep balanced and focused on what matters most. Amen.