As we turn to Luke 10:38- 42, we come across the story of Mary and Martha. The busy Martha comes across as having a Type A personality; she is so very preoccupied with preparation for her guest. But the Lord reminds her that she was cumbered about with too many tasks. He commends Mary who had made a better choice to sit at the Lord’s feet. While both Martha and Mary were intrinsically involved in welcoming Jesus into their home, it was quite evident to see Mary’s undivided love for her Lord.  She showered all her attention on Jesus.

 

Martha is the symbol of action-oriented people who get the job done. The church needs the ministry of Martha’s who get the job done. The church could not exist without the Martha’s who teach our children, sing in the choir, run the care group, feed the poor and help in various capacities of the church-life. Jesus did not fault Martha for being responsible. Martha’s fault was she was too distracted by all she was doing to listen; too involved with her ministry; and too busy to sit at His feet and hear what Jesus had to say. Do we also allow the work of the ministry to become a distraction that keeps us from listening to the voice of Jesus?

 

One of the most important prerequisites of human love is listening. The first step of a disciple is to listen. This was what Mary was doing: listening. Mary knew how to listen to Christ and the Lord commended her for it. 

 

The Lord is keeping His appointment and is coming to your house. Sit down and listen to Him. Give Him your undivided attention. He can serve a better dinner than you ever could. He wants to spend some quality time with you. The more you listen, the more your love for Him grows.  Martha’s familial love must transform to Mary’s passionate love. While Martha as a friend stands side by side cooking up a great dinner, Mary is the lover who lovingly gazes unto Jesus’ eyes waiting to soak in every word that proceeds from His lips. Turn your friendship with the Lord into a passionate love for Him.