Dinner With JesusSýnishorn

Jesus said this to Martha after she complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping her prepare the house and the meal for Jesus and their guests. As a response, Jesus didn’t shame her, criticize her, or judge her. Instead, He saw directly into her heart and addressed what was really going on. This wasn’t about unfair work responsibilities. Jesus knew that. Instead, He said: “You are worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41). In other words, there was more going on and Jesus saw her frustration. The frustration was a symptom to pay attention to and to learn from, but it wasn’t the whole point.

In this way, we have a lot to learn from this story. When we feel frustration, stress, or anger, maybe the first thing we can do is ask: “Why?” Is it possible we’re reacting to more than just what is right in front of us? And even more than that, do we have people in our lives who can speak the truth to us and the outsized reactions we may be having to the circumstances around us? These are the kinds of friends and teachers we all need—someone who can help us get past the frustration we vocalize to the hurt, worry, or fear underneath.