MARTHA'S DEMEANOR, MARY'S REVERENCE

 

There's something fascinating and intriguing about the story of Martha and Mary. One can identify their different personalities and as well learn from it and also their choices in life.

One of the fascinating things includes the way Martha addressed Jesus. She basically took her anger and frustrations towards her sister out on Jesus. Reading that part, I sense a lot of frustration and irritation. Apparently Martha was tired of seeing Mary just sit with Jesus, while she was running around taking care of everyone. I bet she would love to sit down and listen to Jesus but is held back by the things she felt are needed to be in place. When you read this story, you can feel the tension between the two sisters.  Martha is frustrated and angry and apparently it sucks. She goes ahead to not directly talk to her sister but communicate her anger and frustration through Jesus hoping to hit and get her message across to Mary. By addressing Jesus, she hopes for recognition and for Mary to be brought into line on his authority. Sometimes as Christians we can try to let God do the work. In all honesty, I do this a lot. To avoid physical confrontation I pass the ball to Jesus hoping He will make the next move, the move that I expect, that is, probably scold the person but note that God doesn't play our game, so be ready for that.

From the story of these 2 sisters, one can see that Martha is the most hospitable of the two because she was the one who invited him in their house. She was busy serving Jesus and taking care of enough drinks and food; quite a good hostess, and makes sure that the guests lacked nothing - what a great job. To her, all things have to be put in place, and it is not ideal to do them alone while Mary just sits and listens. Martha also wants to listen from the story but one can see that she finds serving more important. John 12:1-3 further explained how Mary anointed Jesus' feet with oil and wiped his feet with her hair. John emphasizes Mary's humility, conviction and dedication to Jesus and His teachings that no expense or personal act was too great or demanding for her not to honour her Savior. This attitude is the kind God desires in everyone who loves him. Hence, Jesus highly regarded Mary's approach.

We all have that Martha moment where we get carried away serving, putting things in order and eventually become busy and distracted. These tasks are important, but they are not the most significant things in life. Your relationship and quality time spent in prayer and fellowship are the priorities. The word ‘serve’ is used for what Martha did. She was serving Jesus, which is something very beautiful. I don't think Martha detests serving, but she just doesn't want to do it by herself. Serving is not a bad thing to do. Serving Jesus is also an honor. But knowing when to do this is most important. Serving Jesus is worthy and an act of faith. But Martha is not only serving, she also wants to be seen for what she's doing. 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.” Luke 10:40-41

First of all, one can see the close relationship Jesus had with Martha's family. It can only take someone you're close with to relate with them the way Martha did with Jesus. However, sometimes in life things are different than you wish for or expect. Martha thought that Jesus would be on her side, but it all turned out the other way. Jesus didn't judge her neither did He brush her aside. Jesus teaches Martha to think. A life lesson being very useful for the rest of her life. At that moment, Jesus was trying to tell her about what's more important. Quality time with God is more important. Serving God is important but how do you know how best to serve him if you ignore spending time, fellowshipping with him and listening to all that he has to say to you? Martha was very busy even when she didn't have to be. She didn't learn to let go and discover that her identity didn't depend on the way she devoted herself to others, or even Jesus in this case.

Just like Martha, a lot of Christians are focused on serving, forgetting the place of intimacy, sitting and hearing God speak like Mary did. Faith in Jesus is not about what you do and how you act. The Kingdom of God is a reversed kingdom - It is different and clearly prioritizes differently. Jesus speaking in a loving, but urgent tone: "Martha, Martha do not make it too hard on yourself." You can almost hear Him say "Martha, Martha. What are you doing? You do not have to do that. The only thing you really have to worry about is listening. Let go, and hear what I have to say. Sit, and do nothing. Fill yourself with my words. That is what you need to do. Pattern yourself on Mary. She does what she has to do, the most important thing. She has chosen the good part. In a world where everyone's busy serving and wanting to be seen at the same time, do not forsake the secret place of the Most High.

The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom of works but of focusing yourself on Jesus - being devoted to him. To listen, to fill yourself with His words and bear fruit. Let this be the most important lesson of this tale. Sit and listen. Act in peace. Fill yourself with His words, give Him space to speak to you, and to do His work in you. If this is the most important thing to Jesus, then it should be so for us too. In a world filled with many distractions, the story of these 2 sisters, Mary and Martha can help you set your life in order.