As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. (Luke 10:38-40a)
I love the story of Martha and Mary because it reminds me so much of me and my sister. My sister’s Martha, and I’m Mary. Martha loves Jesus as much as Mary; she’s the one who opened her door to Jesus. But once Jesus was inside, she ran outside to clean the outhouse and back into the kitchen to clean up the water on the sink from Mary making tea. Then she remembered that Mary left a water stain on the glass table on the front porch, so she went outside to clean that mess. And Jesus would want dinner. She prepared food wondering when Mary was going to come in and help her.
Mary thought the house was clean enough, and she heard that Jesus had fed thousands with two fish and five loaves of bread. Jesus hadn’t come for food. He came to share the bread of life. So, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to every word. It’s not mentioned, but I think this is the trip where Lazarus, their brother, became good friends with Jesus.
Martha is always distracted thinking about something that needs to be done or something bad that might happen. She’s a worrier. Jesus chose Martha’s house to give her the gift of peace. Jesus wants us to have peace. He said, “I tell you, do not worry about your life, … Look at the birds … your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27)
Father God. Thank you for sending Jesus to give me peace. I realize when I’m worrying, I’m not passing on your love and peace. Take my worries away Jesus and hold me tightly in your arms. Help me feel your love and peace. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
You made me giggle comparing us to Martha and Mary! It is true, I am the clean freak, the worrier and the distracted person, you are steadfast at the feet of Jesus! I hope that Jesus does bless my house with peace. I pray that Jesus does take my worries away, because when I am not worrying, I am trusting.
You do worry less, and I am very proud of you. I wish I was more of a clean freak, but I hate cleaning! Jesus will bless your house with peace. Remember Martha was the one who welcomed Jesus into their home. We are not exactly like Martha and Mary but close enough that the story is always special to me.