MARY'S EXCELLENT CHOICE

LUKE 10:38-42 NKJ 
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." 

OBSERVATION: 

This is an interesting story for the Holy Spirit to inspire Luke to write.   

When we first look at this story, there does not appear to be a big point. But a closer observation reveals an important choice by Mary.   

Martha seems to be the consummate hostess. She receives Jesus into her home and then gets busy making sure everything is just right. The scriptures say she is more than busy; she is distracted. She was distracted and then became frustrated that her sister Mary was not helping.   

When Mary, who was sitting and listening to Jesus speak, refused to help, Martha had enough. Martha accused the Lord of not caring. And then told the Lord to make Mary help.   

You have to be highly agitated to accuse the Lord and direct Him as to what He should be doing. Don't try this at home.   

I love the fact that Jesus did not come down to Martha's level. He did not react in anger and tell Martha to shut up. He did not rebuke Martha; how dare she question and challenge Him.   

No, Jesus dealt with Martha with love and kindness. He did not give in to her demands, nor was He pressured by her anger. He revealed that she was worried and troubled about more than serving dinner.  

And Jesus commended Mary for choosing to sit and listen to His words. What Mary chose would have a lasting impact on her life. And the words she was hearing would produce fruit that would not be taken away from her.

Evidently, Jesus never asked Martha to make dinner, so she took that burden on herself.   

APPLICATION: 

This story is not a model for never serving the Lord. We are all to serve Him with the gifts and talents He has given us.   

Rather, this story is a reminder that hearing His words is an important kingdom priority. His words feed us spiritually. And it's from a spiritually strong place that we are more effective in serving Him. So do both. Put God's word first and serve Him at whatever He leads you to do.   

PRAYER: 

Thank You, Lord, for Your word. My ears are open to hear, and my hands are ready to serve You.