Sometimes I’m like Martha, but I’ve learned something about Mary 🙂
I’ve often resonated with Martha. I can be focused on the tasks at hand and become frustrated when others don’t see what needs to be done and don’t help.
When Martha complains, Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Because of this verse, I’ve learned that being busy doesn’t mean you’re doing what really needs to be done. Spending time with Jesus is a “good part”.
But I’ve learned something about Mary that made her focus on Jesus even more poignant. In John 11, it says that Mary was the woman who was sinful and anointed Jesus feet, washing them with her tears and wiping them with her hair. She had deep gratitude for Jesus. He had told her “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
No wonder Mary stopped everything she was doing to listen to Jesus.
Later, Mary and Martha would have such great faith that their brother would be raised from the dead.
One thing I’ve learned from scripture study is that it’s often those who have been forgiven of the greatest sins who have the greatest faith and become the most faithful followers of Christ.
As much as I love this story in Luke 10, make sure to read the whole chapter so you don’t miss the parable of the Good Samaritan.
What’s your favorite part of Luke 10?
