I love the story of Mary and Martha as they welcomed Jesus into their home. “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made……..” Luke 10:38-39.
We see two personalities living in the same house. Notice that one made the preparations and the other sat and enjoyed the teachings of Jesus. This can sometimes cause problems. But Jesus pointed out to Martha that it is possible to cling so closely to the details of the planning and the pleasing and the serving that she might just miss the reason for the party.
” ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ ” Luke 10:41.
Entertaining is not possible without proper planning. I think Jesus knew that the meal would not just appear, and I’m sure he was grateful to Martha for her efforts, but she was misguided in wanting everything to be perfect and demanding that Mary help her make it that way.
Jesus gives us a bold message in this story. We should never lose sight of that which is truly important. In planning perfection, we must never be so distracted that we miss the opportunity to hear and worship and follow the Perfect One.
Have a blessed day! In Christian love,
Diane