If there is anyone I identify with in scripture, it’s Martha. Here are a few things we know about her:

• She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus
• She is a servant
• She is a faithful believer 
• She is a friend of Jesus

While I resonate with a couple of these things, the biggest reason I identify with Martha comes from the story in Luke 10:38-42:

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 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.’ 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 see that Martha was busy and preoccupied. And this wasn’t in vain, because she wasn’t hosting just anyone. Imagine how you’d feel if the Lord came to your house for lunch…that’s a big deal!!

I’m sure that everything she was doing was for the purpose of making Jesus as comfortable as possible. Meanwhile, her sister Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, leaving Martha with all of the work. I can see how this would be overwhelming and quite frustrating, and Martha reacts as many people probably would. Jesus’ reply was humbling, reminding her of what is truly important. 

I imagine Jesus looking at Martha with pity. I can envision a soft, loving smile and hear the words come gently from His mouth. I don’t think Jesus was angry, nor do I think He was disappointed. Rather, I think He looked at Martha with a love and appreciation for all she was doing, and yet He loved her enough to tell her the truth. She needed a reminder that although serving is important, it is even more important to remember to sit in the presence of the One whom we serve. Jesus wanted Martha to be still, cast her anxieties on Him, and sit at His feet.

I identify with Martha because she is easily distracted by all of the important tasks that come with being a servant of Jesus. She is working diligently to fulfill her responsibilities, be hospitable, care for others, and influence others to serve, but she is so focused on and anxious about these tasks that she is forgetting to recognize her own need for Jesus. 

1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Jesus cared for Martha, and I am sure that He appreciated her acts of service. But He wanted her full attention. He knew she needed to be still and refocus on the reason behind her service. 

Don’t get me wrong, service for the Lord’s kingdom is such a blessing. However, it would be a shame to choose the blessings that come from serving over the blessings that come from sitting at the feet of the One from whom all blessings flow.

The question I want us to ask ourselves is this: Do we ever become so busy and anxious in our day-to-day tasks and acts of service (which are important to God) that we forget whom we are ultimately trying to honor?

Truthfully, I do. It’s a challenge to pause in the middle of my busy life to meditate on scripture, acknowledge the goodness of God, or speak to Him about the things on my heart. Sometimes it feels like I don’t have the time because there are so many other necessary things to do. But Jesus sees Martha, someone very similar to myself, and tells her that there is only one thing that is absolutely necessary, and that is focusing on Him. 

Will you join me this week in being intentional about sitting in the presence of our Lord for a few moments each day? In doing so, I hope that we are less anxious, less distracted, and more at peace in our work as servants of Christ.

 

by Micah Turner