Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Growing up in church, the story of Mary and Martha is one I’ve heard many times. Even as a child in elementary school, I knew I related much more closely with Martha in this story. Type A. Perfectionist. Busy. Fast-paced. When I read the story now, I know exactly what Martha’s frustration must have felt like. And even though I’ve heard the story so many times and know how it ends, I completely understand her annoyance with Mary, and Jesus’ response still feels like somewhat of a gut punch.

I used to see this story as Mary versus Martha, with Mary being the hero and Martha being the villain. That Martha was at her essence an uptight mess, and Mary was a gentle spirit. But it’s not a matter of right versus wrong. It’s not a matter of a difference in personality types. It’s a matter of where our priorities are.

When reading this passage today, this phrase in verse 40 stands out to me: “Martha was distracted with much serving.” She has pulled away from sitting at Jesus’ feet by the busyness going on in the kitchen. The enemy in this story isn’t Martha, and it isn’t doing work. It’s the distractions and anxiety that pull us away from spending time with Jesus. It’s the things prioritized over time spent with God.

Re-reading this story has caused me to see Mary in a totally different light, as well. It’s not that she’s lazy or nonchalant. It’s not that she was selfish. Rather, she’s content and at peace sitting at the feet of Jesus; her heart and mind not being pulled away by the superficial things of the world. She understands that before doing things for Jesus, she has to be with Him.

When Jesus responds to Martha in verses 41 and 42 saying “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” If I replace Martha’s name with my own in this verse, it makes me realize how many times I have cared far too much about the trivial things I’m doing, especially when compared to listening to the words of Jesus.

Just like Martha, so many things form distractions and anxiety in my life – work, family, friends, accomplishments, and even church! - and while all of these things are good, they can quickly become idols that will never fulfill me and will eventually fade away. Instead, I am seeking to spend more time sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening and submitting to the Word of God. A good portion that will never be taken away.

Reflection:

• What are some distractions/anxieties in your life right now that are pulling you away from sitting at the feet of Jesus?
• How can you prioritize spending time with God over this next week?

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Family Application: Luke 10

Author: Dahlia Landers

How can we know, love, and follow Jesus? In Luke chapter 10, Jesus wants to prepare His followers for when He is gone. Many people come to Jesus to ask Him questions. An expert in the law asked Jesus what he had to do to have eternal life. Jesus answered by asking him what the law said. He replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus told the law expert that he was correct. Jesus wants us to love God and love people!

Then the man asked who was his “neighbor.” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, a man is attacked and left to die. When a priest and Levite were passing by, they moved to the other side of the road and did not help the man. A Samaritan came by and stopped to help the man. He took him to an inn and paid for all he would need before continuing on his journey. After the story, Jesus asked the expert who he thought was a neighbor. When the expert answered, “The one who had mercy on the man.” Jesus told him to go and do the same. Who is your neighbor? If you answered everyone, you are absolutely correct!

In these stories, we can see people asking questions to better understand how to live life the way God wants. You can ask God questions, too! If you want to know more about how to follow Jesus, ask God to help you understand. God speaks to us in many ways, whether it’s through the Bible, our parents or teachers, or the opportunities He gives us. He may give you an answer you weren’t expecting!

• Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for Your stories that show us how to treat others and how we should spend our time focused on You. Thank You for the way Jesus taught and encouraged people to find answers to questions. Help us to remember that every person we meet is a neighbor who we should show Your love to.