Finding Stillness in a Busy WorldSample

Mary’s Gift

The story continues with Mary and the disciples listening intently to Jesus. Next Martha complains to Jesus saying it’s “unfair” of Mary to sit while she does all the work. She asked Jesus to tell Mary to come help her. I wonder what her tone was like with Jesus? Was it jealousy or pride speaking here?

Jesus responds in verse Luke 10:41, But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!” Some versions of the Bible use “details” as another word for “things.” Jesus then distinguishes which "thing" is important. The Message calls it “one thing” or as an “essential main course.” The ESV states the “one thing” as a “good portion.” It’s clear that the Bible shows us that the main “thing” is Jesus. He responds to Martha by saying, “She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

Jesus points out Mary’s listening heart as her service to Jesus. We have that same choice to serve Jesus in the same way. Have you ever had a good friend that listens well? Having the gift of listening is very important and essential to hearing God’s voice. Fixing our attention, focus, and needs on Jesus is to lock eyes with His life-giving nature, and it’s the “better thing”–a choice.

The Bible doesn’t say Martha’s service was less valuable. I’ve misunderstood this story so many times. I’ve misplaced the value Jesus puts on listening. I’ve made serving more about me and my abilities instead of simply listening. I’ve focused on my doing instead of my being a child content to be in the presence of Someone greater. It’s aggravating to talk to a person and then find out later they weren’t listening.

Reflecting on this story, Mary’s behavior the moment Jesus walked into the room was appropriate. Immediately, Mary fixed her attention and affection on His presence and gave Jesus a gift. When Jesus urged Martha to be more concerned with the matters of the heart like Mary, it made me stop and think about my own motives in serving.

Perhaps you, too, can see that we need to stop our feverish busyness and simply be a listening child at the feet of Jesus. With a humble and quiet heart you will find contentment when you fix your gaze simply on Jesus.