In our modern-day, productive, fast-paced culture, we value and celebrate doing and achieving. But a story in the New Testament tends to challenge our status quo. This story questions our priorities and what we value.
Once upon a time, long ago, Jesus was a guest in someone’s home. Hosting anyone – let alone the Lord – is a lot of responsibility and work. This “hostess with the mostest” was named Martha, and no doubt, she must have been running around, greeting everyone, cooking and cleaning. Jesus wasn’t alone either – he also had a crowd of disciples with him. This hard-working lady had every right to get angry when her sister got out of doing her share of the work. Martha took it up with Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b).
Instead of the hustle and bustle of hosting, the Bible says that Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to him. In our productive society, which greatly values work, Martha was 100% correct, and Jesus should send Mary back to her work. But shockingly, he doesn’t. In this upside-down kingdom, productivity doesn’t seem as valuable as we think. But instead, he answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41(NIV).
In a world where ‘busyness’ is often a badge of honour and importance, it’s easy to relate to Martha, who is worried and upset about many things. Serving others is wonderful, but if Jesus in the flesh is sitting in your living room, priorities should change, preparing food should wait, and the schedule should go out the window.
The Perle of Great Value was right in front of Mary, and she sat at his feet. I love the Bethel song “Centre” lyrics, which says, “Teach us to discern the moment, when to serve and when to sit here at your feet.” This same Mary, who sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to Him, is the one who later breaks an expensive alabaster jar of perfume and pours it out on Jesus. American pastor Michael Koulianos once said: “God isn’t looking for employees. He’s looking for a bride.”
Heavenly Father, in a busy world, please help us discern when it’s time to serve and when it’s time to stop and sit at Your feet. Please help us love Your presence more than doing things for You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
