"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. Martha was distracted---'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help.' 'Martha,---you are upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.'" (Luke 10:38-41)
A favorite guest has arrived and the occasion demands a feast. Martha is rattling pots and pans and Mary is not helping. Martha's request is natural and reasonable. Food is necessary. However, Jesus rebukes Martha rather than Mary.
Is Martha a wicked woman? No. She is fine and noble and devoted to Jesus. Is she rebuked because she is active and industrious? No. Jesus is a practical man, not an impossible dreamer. Then, what's Martha's problem. She has become a slave of things. The old slavery is gone but there is a new tyranny. Martha did not have time to sit at Jesus' feet...not free to hear his voice. She found no peace and joy in this bondage because her heart was brim full and her face was lined.
Our chances for happiness are exactly in proportion to the things we can do without. Two flies were sitting at the edge of a ten-acre field (actually, it was two inches of flypaper). One says to the other, "What do you think of this new invention?" The other said, "I don't like it." Why? Is it poisonous? Is it bitter? No. Then, the first fly lit in the center. You'll never see that one in Prayer Meeting again. He thinks he has the flypaper but the flypaper has him. Wisdom of experience says it is better to desire the things we have than to have the things we desire. Only the man who is set free of things can truly enjoy them.
Did Martha enjoy the meal? No. She was too worried, angry and ashamed.
Did Jesus enjoy the meal? No. His presence had made for trouble.
Did Mary enjoy the meal? No. Martha's criticism made her feel ill at ease and embarrassed.
Jesus calls us to simplicity. "But only one thing is needed."
Charles Jackson
Fayetteville, Arkansas
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