City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘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.’”

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

Megan’s Musings

Ah, siblings and chores. Classic recipe for family arguments. It’s a chore in and of itself to make children get along, or at least pretend to on the outside. And when one is neglecting their chores or trying to trick the other to pick up their slack, lots of resentment, shouting, name-calling, parents’ blood pressure rising then Jesus-take-the-wheel-because-I’m-about-to-have-a-wreck quick mental prayers before trying to diffuse the argument. But these are grown women we’re talking about. And Jesus Himself is referee. Mary is not neglecting the chores, she chose the Living Bread over that night’s dinner. Although Martha was the one who welcomed Jesus in their house, she became distracted with the tasks and forgot the reason she was serving. It is too easy to get stressed and snippy when entertaining, especially for a very important visitor. But commanding her Honored Guest to tell her sister to contribute (no hostess-of-the-year award for Martha) indicates just how angry and resentful she is. It’s interesting Jesus called Martha’s name twice, He’s calming her down like a parent with an angry child. He reminds her she is occupied with too many things, and only One is truly necessary. 

Why did Martha forget so quickly the reason she invited Jesus? It’s like having quiet time with God, but leaving in the middle to load the laundry, unload the dishes, vacuum the floors, and then the day is up. You have a clean house and God says, “Remember Me?” (I’m guilty as charged of this too). We live in a society where busyness is held in high regard (not a good thing). It’s too easy to fall into the performance trap and forget our why. Busyness and focus on appearances can become idols. Why was Martha more focused on her work than Jesus’ teachings? Was it due to more concern over appearances than on the heart? Because of her mindset, she (unintentionally) made work an idol. Maybe if she included Jesus in the preparations (the kitchen is the heart of the home, and guests want to be with their hosts), she wouldn’t have felt so resentful. Knowing Jesus, He likely offered to help, but Martha insisted He sit down, and Mary sat down with Him to listen. 

Application

Welcome Jesus into your heart, but don’t just leave Him there while you attend to matters, include Him in your life. Not just during quiet time with Him (very important), but also during everyday life, work, chores, errands, and recreational time. Speaking of time, what occupies your mind and your time? Are they actually important? 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to pursue You in all that I do and to not be anxious with other matters. In Your Name I pray, amen.