The encounter with Jesus that we will look at this month is from Luke 10:38-42 – the account of Jesus’ visit to his friend’s home and the spat between sisters on this occasion. There are lessons for us from both Martha and Mary, but the application in our thoughts today is for the ‘Martha's’ among us – those people who are the ‘doers’ rather than the ‘be-ers.’
Jesus was a personal friend to these sisters and their brother Lazarus. He had shown up at their house along with his disciples – a pretty big group to feed, and Martha went right to work preparing a meal for her guests...
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” Luke 10:40.
A Happy New Year to all the Encounter gang! I hope that 2024 will be one of peace, joy, and spiritual growth for you!
The encounter with Jesus that we will look at this month is from Luke 10:38-42 – the account of Jesus’ visit to his friend’s home and the spat between sisters on this occasion. There are lessons for us from both Martha and Mary, but the application in our thoughts today is for the ‘Marthas’ among us – those people who are the ‘doers’ rather than the ‘be-ers.’ I am like Martha – I like to get things done – to cross off a list – to make sure the guests have a great time.
You know the story. Jesus was a personal friend to these sisters and their brother Lazarus. He had shown up at their house along with his disciples – a pretty big group to feed, and Martha went right to work preparing a meal for her guests. Mary sat in the living room at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching, while Martha slaved away in the kitchen, getting steamier by the minute. At last she stomped out and told Jesus to get that Mary into the kitchen to help!
Oh, Martha knew who Jesus was – in John 11 (when her brother had died), she called Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. He was friend and Lord, and at this occasion she got them mixed up. On another occasion, Jesus said to John’s disciples: “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). There is a time when Jesus is friend and there is a time when Jesus is Master and Lord. Martha was distracted and failed on this occasion to sit at his feet.
How easy it is for us to be distracted by the cares of the day! Work and family, social responsibilities, piano lessons and feeding the baby. Getting the oil changed on the car, visiting the dentist – you know the drill (pardon the pun). We can go full steam ahead while the Spirit is saying – “sit at the Master’s feet – read his words and think on them.” Certainly there will be a time for Mary to go up and help in the kitchen.
But today’s lesson is for us all to be sensitive to Friend and Lord. Given the time and circumstance, how do I serve the Master best today?
Pastor Leon Throness
