Martha and Mary Voorbeeld

Sit and Listen

I see Jesus as a very kind-hearted and loving man. I also read this verse with the thought of Jesus speaking in a loving, but urgent tone: “Martha, Martha do not make it too hard on yourself." You can almost hear Him say 'dear, dear Martha.' But in their culture that probably wasn't the way you addressed a woman. 

Martha, Martha. What you are 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. She has chosen the good part. 

The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom of works but of focusing yourself on Jesus. Being devoted to Jesus. To listen, to fill yourself with His words and bearing 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. 

Questions:
How do you get peace? How do you take time to listen to Jesus’ voice in the hectics of the day?

Assignment:
Listening is a skill you can develop. Practice. Find a quiet space, if daily busyness permits, be very quiet and have your thoughts come to rest.  Ask Jesus to speak to you.

P.S. With Sandy Tales, we tell Bible stories drawn in sand. Curious for more? Then take a look here!