Focus 2020 – The Great Commission: Perspectives from LeadersSample

Are You a Mary or Martha?  

Bible passage: 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42) 

Devotional: 

Are you a Mary or a Martha? Hands down, I’m a “Martha.” What do I mean by that? In Luke 10:38–42, Luke recounts the story of Jesus visiting the house of Mary and Martha. Martha is focused on the details of serving dinner and hosting Jesus, while Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus and listens. 

I resonate with Martha because she’s a task-focused person, and God has wired me as a task-focused person as well. I find that I often build relationships through work. I enjoy spending time with other task-focused people because we get a lot done by quickly working through a to-do list. 

Americans are often characterized as task-focused. Sometimes we start with work and then move toward relationship. In most other cultures, however, relationship precedes task. In fact, if one does not start with relationship, the task may never occur. 

I’m grateful that God has provided several “Marys” in my life to help me focus on being rather than just doing. Even in my relationship with my Heavenly Father, I find that I’m often so engaged with doing things for him that I miss spending time in reflection, just being before him. If I’m not careful, my daily devotions can become task-focused. For me, sitting quietly with God requires an intentionality that doesn’t come naturally. 

As you consider your own journey of loving God and loving people, where do you need to grow? Maybe you identify as a “Martha.” And being a “Martha” is a good thing, but I also know that I need more of “Mary” in my life. If you find yourself to be more of a “Mary,” how are you doing at being a “Martha”? Both attributes—the acts of being and doing—are important in our relationship with God and in our relationships with others. God desires both attributes in our lives! 

Quote: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things...” 

Question: Do you find that you’re more of a Mary or a Martha? What are two or three things you can practically do to grow in your non-natural tendencies? 

John Chesnut 

CEO, Wycliffe Bible Translators - USA