Martha or Mary?

Mary and Martha were two sisters in Luke 10:38-42 whose story was important enough for us to know and learn from...


Mary--known for sitting at the feet of Jesus and attentively listening to His teachings and instructions. She did so with complete abandonment of all else & of all others. Luke 10:39 says, "Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word." (NKJV)

Martha--known for making food & hurrying about the home doing chores, alone. She was jealous of her sister (Mary) and even angry with her for not helping prepare food for Jesus and his followers. Luke 10:40 says, "Martha was distracted with much serving..." (NKJV)

Upon an outward cry from Martha, Jesus told her, in verse 41 & 42, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (NKJV)

When I look further into this story and into some commentaries, it is discussed that Martha was fretting and worrying about more than just a meal. She was concerned with putting a large fancy meal before the LORD; she was trying to make a 3 course meal. One commentary suggested that rather than make one dish to feed them, giving her more time to listen to Him also, Martha was trying to "go-all-out". Yet, Mary wanted nothing more than to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him teach for the short time He would be there with them.

Martha was concerned with what Jesus and his followers would think of her as a homemaker and cook. She wanted her home and meal to be perfect. She gave so much time during Jesus' visit to her home and preparing the large meal. Why? Because she wanted the approval of men (Yes, Jesus also.).

Mary was at peace, content, and didn't stress about unimportant things. She didn't care to impress Jesus and his followers with a spotless home and a large meal. She simply wanted to learn all she could from him while He was with her. Nothing else mattered to her except Jesus.

What are you concerned with today? Is it the appearance of your home and life to others? Is it what others think of your ability to ___(you fill in the blank)___? Or is it making time with Jesus the priority? If you woke up a bit late, would you be willing to forgoe your usual morning routine (folding laundry or applying makeup or blow-drying your hair) to spend time in prayer with the LORD?

Are you a Mary or a Martha? What would it take for you to sit at the LORD's feet--him being in your home or him telling you to stop what you are doing to come sit with Him?