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“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.”

Luke 10:41-42

For Meditation

Poor Martha!

She had opened her home to Jesus and His disciples on their way to Jerusalem. They were exhausted and hungry, so she went straight to the kitchen. Where is the spice? Where is the salt? Where is the saucepan? Why is the fire not burning hot enough? You know how it is when you must impress an August visitor who shows up in your house unannounced. But Martha had another problem.

Seated comfortable at the foot of Jesus in her living room was her little sister, Mary. The serene and tranquil atmosphere Mary was enjoying increasingly irritated her. And the heat in the kitchen and exhaustion didn’t help either. Have you ever tried to ignore something, or tune away from a conversation that pricked your interest? Martha may have tried to ignore Mary’s selfishness and insensitivity; but we all have our breaking point.

I suspect there was an issue between the two sisters before this time. You know the sibling thing where one always finds something to do just when a hard task comes up. My second daughter was that type around our home. Reading was her preoccupation, and nature’s call came very conveniently when preparation of the evening meal began. And she always had her constant companion with her – a novel. You can guess her sisters’ resentment for her. Perhaps, that was Martha’s problem with Mary, and she took her frustration and anger on Jesus on this occasion.

 “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (40).

Anger and resentment can expose us in some very embarrassing situations sometimes. Martha’s outburst revealed her inner struggles that were far apart from Mary’s choice, and it was not pretty. Have you ever let yourself go in a manner that embarrassed you after? 

Martha found herself rebuking Jesus and accusing Him with complacency in her sister’s “negligence and abandonment”. How insensitive could He be? Have you questioned God’s judgment in your desperate moments before?

But give Martha some credit. At least she vented her frustration. Some people don’t, and when they do, they turn it on the people who know nothing about their real problem – their inner struggles. Instead of turning it on Mary, Martha took her anger and frustration to Jesus and got relief from Him (Lk. 10:41-42).

God knows our real problems and weaknesses. He knows where we hurt and the real cause of our anger. He doesn’t rebuke us when we take it out on Him. He graciously brings us to the right disposition where we get it right. Then, He strengthens us to go in the right direction. Elijah knows this very well (1 Kings 19:1-9).

Martha was overloaded with too much cares. She was upset about many situations around her that had made her jealous and testy. Her sister was not the problem. Her real problem was herself; and that’s how it is with us.

The fact is, when you prioritize work above the presence of God and obedience of His word, life becomes burdensome and a chore. Martha had the cart before the horse, so she was wearied by her self-effort. Our strength is in ourselves, but the Lord, no matter how resourceful we may be. Until we prioritize His presence above our work or ministry, we set ourselves up for unnecessary frustrations and stress.

God is interested in our spiritual nourishment than the service we render to Him. (Cf. Ps. 50:9-12). We should therefore reorganize our priorities in favor of His presence. He would then refresh and refocus us for the hard tasks ahead. It’s a blessing no one can take from us (Lk. 10:42).

Shalom