Martha and Mary

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

There are a few passages I don't enjoy teaching, especially if women are present. One is Ephesians 5:22 - 33. You know the passage, "Wives, submit to your husband...." It does not set well in our modern, western culture. Another is Genesis 3, where Eve yields to temptation first before Adam. Have your exit strategy ready if it is a lesson on a Sunday you've agreed to teach.

Today's passage is just such a passage because if you want to find out who serves meals at your church (pot luck, funerals, etc), teach this passage and pray you leave alive. Hospitality is a gift and some possess it more than others. I've got friends who are men who are as good as women when it comes to hospitality, but guys would be standing around, watching the cook/master chef. We'd be telling stories, maybe even have a beer or two, laugh and chuckle at bad jokes, and in general, have a good time. If the man said something like Martha, a chorus of ensuing teasing, joking, kidding would begin and finish around a week later.

Christ would find a way to use the situation to teach a lesson about loitering and accomplishing little while the master is at the table teaching. He's gifted at using events like this to make a point. Let's look at this a little closer to see what that point is.

First, nothing is more important than the Word of God. Christ is teaching and his time is limited on earth, as is our own. The urgent is less important than the important. Hearing God's Word is important. Men are as guilty of this as are women. Read John 4 to see the disciples squander a moment with a woman in need, but Christ remains present to minister to her.

Secondly, Christ speaks far more harshly to Peter at times, calling him Satan, telling him he will deny him and other such recorded instances. This is a mild admonishment at best, using the moment to teach importance.

Third, Martha and Mary confess to their faith in Christ upon the death of their brother Lazarus in John 11, so we know from our readings that they are women of deep faith.

What do we learn from this? That all of us, men and women, need to put God/Christ at the center of our lives. We need to be in prayer and studying his Word. Secondly, be present in the moment. It may be fleeting, so seize the opportunity when it presents itself. Finally, share your faith with others through whatever your talent is - teaching, hospitality, care-giving... you get the idea.

Pray God's Spirit give you strength as these moments arise to stop, look and listen.