Mary Was Listening
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
We often hear this story told with the focus on Mary and how she chose the better part. But Jesus also loved Martha, and it is a good thing because a lot more of us are like Martha than Mary! This story begins with Martha inviting, Jesus, with His twelve friends to her home. They arrived tired and hungry, so of course, Martha started busily rushing around, trying to serve everybody supper. Jesus, aware of her loving service, begins His correction by tenderly calling her by name. “Martha, Martha!” He didn’t just shout, “Quiet, I am teaching!” Yes, Mary chose the better part, but Martha was also precious to Him. If we follow the story of these sisters through the Bible, we will discover that Martha also learned to choose the better part. It just took her a while to get there. We see this, after the death and resurrection of their brother Lazarus. That day, Martha hosts another dinner for Jesus, and again she serves at the table. But this time there is no complaining, and her focus is on Jesus, as she serves Him the best way she knows how. I am glad that Jesus is patient with us, just as He was with Martha. He calls us by name and, in spite of our failings, we are precious to Him. So, let’s keep inviting Him to our house and we will find that we also can choose the better part as we learn to quietly listen while we serve Him at His table!
Peter Caligiuri has been writing poetry since he was a teenager. Some of his short poems and devotionals have appeared in various periodicals such Secret Place, Breakthrough Intercessor and The Upper Room. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education/English from Western Connecticut State College as well as having attended Elim Bible College. https://christiandevotions.us/viewauthor/430
Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash
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