They are known in the Gospels for their contrasting reactions to a visit from Jesus.
Martha focused on hosting and preparing a meal and was distracted by all she felt she had to do. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him.
Martha must have got frustrated and complained to Jesus that Mary had left her with all the work. She asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.
Jesus gently corrected her saying she was distracted and concerned about many things when so little was needed.
As a reading in Luke 10; 38-42 tells us, Jesus said Mary had chosen the better part and it would not be taken from her.
Both Martha and Mary were Jesus’ friends and His disciples. Jesus would have known he could rebuke Martha gently, He could see she was fretting and she took it out on her sister, which was a natural reaction.
Martha was obviously very house-proud whereas Mary was more concerned with sitting and chatting to people.
Both of these traits are important in different ways. I get the impression Martha could be outspoken and didn’t hesitate in speaking her mind, even to Jesus.
I feel Mary was a more gentle soul. Martha gave practical no-nonsense hospitality whereas I think Mary was the one who offered a listening, sympathetic ear and offered a hug if needed.
When Jesus arrived to visit, Martha’s immediate concern was preparing a meal, getting water so the guests could wash and making sure a room was ready especially for a guest as welcome and loved as Jesus.
Visitors couldn’t let you know beforehand they were coming to visit.
I feel the purpose of this passage from Luke 10: 38-42 is to highlight two very different ways of being a disciple.
There needs to be a balance between active practical service and gentle devotion. Some Bible scholars suggest it is a lesson in priorities, as both serving and listening are necessary, but listening to Jesus takes priority.
This story is often used to discuss the balance between worship and work, encouraging a “heart for God” in all tasks. We all have our own ways of showing hospitality.
Offering someone a meal or a bed is being practical and much appreciated. Sitting with someone who is sad or has a problem and just needs a listening ear, a kind word and maybe a hug is what is needed in that situation.
Both the practical and the gentle are ways of showing we love one another.
And as Jesus said, what we do for the least of his brothers we did it to him.
I hope we have all done that at some time in our life and that we felt blessed by our small service for God.
Rosemary Hunt
Kyabram Baptist Church
22°C