Finding Stillness in a Busy WorldSýnishorn

Eager to Serve

There is a story in Luke 10:38-42 that tells of two sisters, Mary and Martha. These sisters were wonderful servants. Along with their brother, Lazarus, these three were close friends with Jesus. They hosted Jesus on many occasions at their own home. This one evening in particular, Jesus teaches us a lesson about work/rest balance.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

In these five verses Jesus unpacks a powerful truth. Here we have two sisters that are eager to serve Jesus. They both have a heart to support Him and His ministry. Mary and Martha are nurturing women who attend to details. They were equipped with the gift of hospitality. How comforting it was to the disciples after a long journey on a hot, dusty road. And to know their group would be lovingly received was reassuring to Jesus.

The text doesn’t go into the details of the menu or the meal prep before arrival, but there had to be some forethought to this meet up. The story begins as Jesus and the disciples arrive at Lazarus’ home. Immediately, Mary chooses to rest at Jesus’ feet while Martha continues on with the meal preparation.

Mary humbly positioned herself to sit quietly, at Jesus’ feet, and poised to hear every word Jesus spoke. The atmosphere in the room came to a quiet hush of complete stillness. The only important thing was what Jesus was saying. But then Martha is found scurrying about the room attending and serving the disciples with food. Verse 40 says she was “distracted.” It almost seems silly at this point. Why wouldn’t Martha want to give Jesus her full attention?