Valued and Loved

Luke 10:38-42
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. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha or Mary.

I’ve heard the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I may have even asked that myself. But in seeking an answer to the inquiry, I think I missed the point of this story.

Imagine preparing for a visit from the one person on this earth who you’ve been waiting for; that one man who came to save all people from sin. Let that sink in. Jesus is coming to visit. The Messiah himself will be dining at your table.

Martha, the obvious caregiver in the story, seeks to prepare her home for her guest. Yet, her sister Mary, instead of mixing the bread dough or setting the table, sits at Jesus’ feet to soak in his wisdom.

Again with the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” According to what Jesus says, it doesn’t matter. Both women are valued and loved.

When Martha called for Mary to help her, Jesus stopped her. You see, Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher. He didn’t condemn Martha for her efforts to host him, instead he offered her an invitation. He didn’t say don’t be like Martha, instead he reached out and invited her to stop what she was doing and join him as he taught God’s truth.

He didn’t condemn Martha, he invited her to join him. This is kind of a big deal. In Jesus’ day women didn’t sit at a teacher’s feet and learn. But Jesus invited all men, women, and children to hear God’s truth.

Jesus still calls every one of us to read his word, share in his wisdom, believe in him, and accept his grace.

Sit at Rabbi Jesus’ feet and hear his truth.