Martha and Mary Voorbeeld

Standing on the Sidelines

Yesterday we spoke about the emotions of the story. Today we are going to reveal another layer. Two sisters, Martha and Mary have invited Jesus. In fact, it was Martha who did it. I think she is the most hospitable of the two. She is quite busy serving Jesus and taking care of enough drinks and food. She is a good hostess, and makes sure that the guests lack for nothing. I think she's doing a great job. All kinds of things have to be done, and it is not really very social that she has to do it all alone while Mary just sits and listens. Martha also wants to listen. You can sense this in the story. However, Martha is serving.

In the text the word ‘serve’ is used. Martha is serving Jesus. And that is something 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. 

John 12:26 says: "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."

Serving Jesus is worthy and an act of faith. But Martha is not only serving, she also likes to be seen and deep down she wants to sit at Jesus’ feet, too. She doesn't want to stand on the sidelines.

Questions:
Do you recognize yourself in Martha? Do you sometimes feel being wronged and standing on the sidelines? How do you cope with that? What kind of advice would you give Martha?

Assignment:
Read the story in two other translations or even in another language. Do you notice something different this time?