My Faith Journey
Read Luke 10:38-42
“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 10:41-42)
You are warmly welcomed into this new family, where people are excited to get to know you. However, some may unknowingly place unrealistic expectations on you. In addition to your current responsibilities, you may feel pressure to participate in Christian or church activities. Now, you find yourself wondering: 'Did I become a Christian for these activities, or to grow closer to God?’
Martha’s Priority
What makes this story compelling is that Martha was doing something good, trying her best to serve God and be a gracious host. However, she became overwhelmed with her many tasks. Distracted by unnecessary details, her focus shifted from serving her Lord to the work itself. She was also disappointed that Jesus didn’t acknowledge her hard work. In frustration, she approached Him and asked, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?' (v.40). What Martha didn’t realize was that, in her wholehearted desire to serve, she had lost sight of her true purpose and became disillusioned in her service.
Mary’s Priority
While Martha busied herself preparing a feast to welcome Jesus, Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen to His word. This is precisely what Jesus commended Mary for—the one thing truly needed in welcoming Him: dedicating time to sit at the Lord’s feet and hear His word. The most important part of loving God is spending time in His Word. There is a time for serving, but it’s essential to set aside time to learn and grow in God’s Word.
Application
In the midst of your schedule, will you set time to be with God alone, spending time reading his word, learning at His feet?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to grow deeper into knowing you. Teach me to sit at your feet for me to learn more about You. Guide me as I desire to make time for you. Amen.
Luke 10:38 - 42
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But 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.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”