I have been mulling over many topics and ideas for my journal lately but one thought keeps resurfacing. It is the statement that Jesus made to Martha in the Gospel of Luke chapter 10 verses 39-42: 

“And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto 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.”

     Jesus and His disciples came to the village where Martha lived; they were probably tired and hungry from journeying around the Judean countryside. Martha’s intent was to serve Jesus and the disciples whatever she could in order to meet their needs. Her sister Mary, on the other hand, was content to just be with Jesus and to sit at His feet to hear Him speak. Martha was upset with Mary for not helping her to serve and wanted Jesus to correct her. Jesus instead gently said to Martha, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things but one thing is needful and Mary has chosen the good part…”     Was Jesus telling Martha that serving others was not as important as sitting at his feet listening to him speak? Possibly, but I think what he was really doing was revealing to her own heart whether or not she loved him out of duty and service or for the fulfillment in honoring the things of God. There are many things that can occupy our time and attention that are very important and necessary, but there is only one thing that is needful, it is being intimate and honest with Jesus (Luke 10:39).      

Oftentimes, I think in my own life how I get frustrated in my intense desire to “do” something productive by serving and my inability to “do” anything for others because of my physical limitations. I always fall short of my own imposed expectations. During these times of self condemnation Jesus will draw me aside to Himself, reminding me that there is a mystery in weakness where His strength is manifested. When I am counseled by what the Spirit says within me, my soul rejoices because I am continually set free from the bondage of works in the flesh and condemnation.        

There are many ways for all of us to be cumbered about with serving God.  Serving is not the problem; Jesus was the greatest servant of all. His admonition to Martha had more to do with the motive and intent behind her serving without expectation. God doesn’t measure the amount or size of our deeds, rather He measures the amount of love we have in them. Martha became so overwhelmed with taking care of her guest’s needs that she seemed to lose the joy in her service rather than her service overflowing of an abundant heart. Martha may have wanted to be recognized for hard work portrayed by her statement asking Jesus to bid her sister, Mary, to help her serve. She missed the reason why she was giving in the first place, her service was to be an offering unto an All-Knowing God who sees and recompenses her efforts to promote the life of Christ in others. These types of contributions establish in all of us the virtues of God magnifying the expression of the fruits of the Spirit and the nature of Christ through us.      

Mary did not need Jesus to validate her efforts and impose upon her what Martha was doing. Jesus checked Martha’s  heart and her motives for helping by replying “one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen it” Mary’s desire to sit at the feet of Jesus was in a response to love, she had chosen to be under His instruction because for her it was a most needful priority in her life at that moment. Although Martha may have had a legitimate need for assistance (we thank the Lord for her functional portion of providing for others) she didn’t need to compare her expression with Mary’s. Jesus was quick to reveal her attitude of self righteousness by comparing. 

What is the motive behind the things you do? Is it love or is it because you seek recognition? Do you want to be recognized for your service and efforts? Are you a “martyr for your cause”? Or do you want to recognize the One who says to you “one thing is needful”. Christ will supply for each need, sit at his feet to listen to Him simply because of your desire to know Him in a deeper way. Also, be available to provide for the needs of others to sit at His feet when you have the opportunity, capacity and grace of God serving with joy and gladness. At times we can be so distracted in our everyday routine with our “busyness” or in the responsibility of serving others that we miss out on the one thing that was most important for us, which is to hear what Jesus is speaking to us personally. Do you want to hear from Jesus? Then take time to find Him, sit at His feet, and listen to what He is saying that is most needful. 

 “Take care not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward [reserved for and awaiting you] with and from your Father Who is in heaven.”                                                                                                                    Mt 6:1

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm and is filed under Devotionals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.