Reading: Luke 10-11
Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which 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 (Luke 10:38-42).
One of the wonderful offerings of the Gospel of Luke is the insight it gives us into the personal life of Jesus. Within its pages, we discover that, in addition to His dedicated disciples and ever-present crowds of followers, Jesus also had dear friends with whom He could fellowship. In Bethany, at the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Jesus was provided with hospitality and shelter (Matt. 26:6-13; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-45). The sisters, Martha and Mary, loved the Lord with their entire hearts (Luke 10:27) and believed He was the Messiah (John 11:27), but they expressed their dedication differently.
On this occasion, when Jesus entered the house and sat sharing His Word with the other guests before the meal, Martha became cumbered about much serving. So intent was she on providing the Lord with a perfect dining experience that she was careful and troubled about many things. Her sister Mary, on the other hand, was overcome with a desire to learn from the Master, so she left off of her meal preparations and sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. This led to hurt feelings on the part of Martha, who believed that Mary’s actions disrespected both Jesus and herself. Jesus met Martha’s complaint with a gentle rebuke. He appreciated her service, but the fact that she allowed herself to be cumbered and troubled by it proved that she needed the same teachings her sister Mary was availing herself of.
What are the key elements of living a Christian life? Much is said on the worthy subject of service (Matt. 25:35-40; Mark 9:35), but is that all that we are called to focus upon? In the verses above, Jesus addresses this very question. The number one requirement to living a Christian life is maintaining a solid relationship with Jesus, and the only way we can do that is to stay in regular contact with Him through the reading and studying of His Word. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). We are instructed to draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James. 4:8). Only by regularly making time to sit at His feet will we receive the guidance necessary to put His Word into action.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever(I John 2:16-17).
Thought for Today: We must be careful not to mistake what we do for our own satisfaction as something we are doing for the Lord’s.
Cross Reference:For Luke 10:27: See Lev. 19:18. Luke 10:28: See Lev. 18:5.
Word Studies:810:40 cumbered about much serving = frustrated over all she had to do; 10:41 careful = overly concerned; 11:8 importunity = persistence; 11:39 ravening = greed, covetousness; 11:46 lade = load; 11:53 vehemently = fiercely.
Pray for Staff:Ryan McCrary • Country: Fiji (903,207) Southwestern Pacific • Major Languages: English, Fijian • Religious Freedom • 55.4% Protestant; 27.9% Hindu; 9.1% Roman Catholic; 6.3% Muslim; 0.3% Sikh; 0.3% Other/Unspecified; 0.7% None • Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Ps. 147:7).