Tendency to be a Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Dr. Luke tells us Jesus entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.  This may seem strange to us in the West, but it was the custom when Jesus walked on planet earth.  “Hospitality is regarded as a right by the traveler, to whom it never occurs to thank his host as if for a favor. And hospitality is granted as a duty by the host, who himself may very soon be dependent on some one else's hospitality. But nonetheless, both in Old Testament times and today, the granting of that right is surrounded by an etiquette that has made Arabian hospitality so justly celebrated. The traveler is made the literal master of the house during his stay; his host will perform for him the most servile offices, and will not even sit in his presence without express request. To the use of the guest is given over all that his host possesses, stopping not even short of the honor of wife or daughter." (Taken from Bible History online)

Dr. Luke reports Martha had a sister named Mary and I envision Mary as the younger, not sure of that, but in that I was the younger, Mary seems to fit that role.  Martha is focused on the guest’s comfort but Mary is also very busy listening to all that this Rabbi has to say.  Martha is in the kitchen preparing the meal, maybe killing a lamb, for this is a very special guest; this is the Rabbi the whole world is taking about.  I’m sure she has given the sister that look, maybe even got behind Jesus and mouthed the words, I need you in the kitchen, but it all fell on deaf ears, Mary was engaged, you might say she was not aware of anything but the guest of honor.

So Martha was upset with Mary and she said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone.”  If you have ever been active in your local Church, you have experienced how Martha was feeling, it seems only you and a few others are doing what is needed to meet the needs of the congregation.  And if you are not very careful you will end-up with a spirit of bitterness, and that is not the Mind of Christ!

I believe many of us have the tendency to be a Martha, if we are working in the nursery we want others to get the joy of those adorable two years olds.  If we are visiting the old dears in the nursing home, we want others to have the same heart; yes, we are more like Martha than most will admit. 

So listen to Jesus for I believe He is talking to you: “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.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice