Martha versus Mary

Mary vs Martha

Martha and Mary were two sisters and they were friends with Jesus. They both loved Jesus. Martha even opened her home to Jesus and served him. But Martha was distracted by much serving, and she approached Him [Jesus] and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’ ” (Luke 10:40-42). 

Martha was distracted by the worldly things. It appeared to be a work done with right motives of the heart; one might say it was even necessary. However, Jesus says you are worried and troubled about many things: preparing the meal and serving. Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, to be in his presence and to REST. Mary was also the one that poured expensive oil on his feet and wiped them clean with her hair. Mary purposely set out to draw near to Jesus. She was humble and hungry for his presence. She desired him above all else. Works did not take precedence over an opportunity to sit at his feet. 

At the time of Lazarus death, Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed put. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Martha was believing for the future day and not for NOW. Why not NOW Martha? Jesus said your brother will rise from the dead NOW! Just BELIEVE Martha, I am here NOW. I AM the resurrected one.  Jesus commanded that they take away the stone and Martha said by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Martha did not believe what Jesus had just told her! She was caught up in what she saw with her natural eyes and even set limits on the power of God. She was not believing his word or acting out of faith. That must have been grieving for Jesus as he loved Martha. He wanted Martha to see and know him as the resurrected one. That comes from resting at his feet! It requires intimacy and being in his presence.   

There is a "showdown" about to occur in the church. It is a private game and not open to the secular world. It involves the love and adoration for one man's attention! His name is Jesus. It is between those that are acting as a Martha and those that act as a Mary. Who wins? Jesus gave us the answer. Those that are acting in ways like a Mary and come and sit at his feet and in his presence have chosen the better portion. Many children of God need to STOP placing too much emphasis on works.  We can find ourselves always concerned about meeting a certain need. There are other needs that must be met and Jesus always has his eyes on that. You must come and sit with him to know his heart. God, the Father wants his people to seek out Jesus, lay aside things that are taking you away from him. No matter how good they may appear to be. Set time for Jesus. Come and sit with him.  Believe His Word, believe that all he promised of a new life is for today AND leads into eternity.  Make him Lord over your life. 

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:25-27: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns — and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?

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