Luke 10:38-42
(Martha and Mary)
This past Sunday, Jeff Still delivered a rich and thought provoking sermon as he challenged us to think about the differences between the way Mary and Martha responded to Jesus.
As I reviewed this passage today, I was struck with two thoughts. First, in verse 38, we see that "a woman named Martha welcomed him (Jesus) into her house." Welcome can be defined as gladly receiving someone or to greet someone in a glad or friendly way. Upon first glace, this is admirable of Martha to receive Jesus in this way.
However, the second point that stood out was the comparison of verbs used to describe Martha in juxtaposition to Mary.
Mary Martha
sat welcomed him
listened distracted
chose good portion anxious
troubled
In early February, I deliberately welcomed Jesus into our home. I gladly received Him into my upcoming months as the Lenten season and Easter approached. And, similar to Martha, I stopped there! After I welcomed Him, rather than sitting and listening and choosing the good portion, I became distracted, anxious, and troubled about many things.
I have seen first hand that welcoming Jesus into my home and my life is not enough. After welcoming Him, I must sit and listen to Him. If you know Martha's pain as I do, please come alongside me as I learn yet again what it means to sit with my Savior, to give Him the first fruits of my days, to read His Word and to hear His perspective upon my life and responsibilities.
May we, as women of Grace, be defined by the verbs that defined Mary: sat, listened, and chose the good portion.
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