It was an unusual day for Martha at the market in Bethany. It wasn’t unusual that she would be there, for she loved running the household for her siblings, Mary and Lazarus. That was her gift and contribution to the work of their family. But what was unusual was that she met Jesus there. Everyone was talking about Him, so she seized the opportunity to be hospitable and invited Him to stay at her home. How thrilled she was when He accepted her invitation!
Upon arriving home Martha set out to prepare the evening meal. She busied herself at the fire where she roasted a lamb and baked bread. When her Guest arrived, she kept the fruit bowl and glasses filled at the table where Jesus and Lazarus reclined. They were talking about God and His ways, and it was a lively conversation. She listened as she went about her preparations for the meal.
On one of her trips to refill the fruit bowl, she noticed Mary just sitting and listening. Jealousy filled her thoughts. “Why must I be the one to do all the serving? Mary should be helping me.” Taking her case to Jesus, she complained, “Don’t you even care that my sister has left me to do all the work of serving alone? Tell her to help me!”
She knew she had spoken too boldly; His response made her cheeks turn crimson. “Martha, you are worried and bothered about many things. Only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good part.
But what was the good part? Should Martha have been sitting instead of serving? No, Martha was called to be a servant in her hospitality. Instead, she served, but complained as she did it. Mary’s gift might have been to teach or encourage or have wisdom and knowledge. If that were the case, it would be totally appropriate for her to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn. Again, what is the “good part?” It is to be a servant who is content to serve where you are called, without jealousy or grumbling. Martha had to learn to use her gift of hospitality as a servant, not just to be one who serves. (See John 12:1-3.) Do you see the difference?
Are you one who grumbles while serving, or are you a servant of Jesus? When you talk to Jesus in prayer, do you tell Him what to do?
I see the difference!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post. It is amazing how the line between serving and being a servant is so blurred in the church. Servants have no rights to be recognized and praised for their serving. They are servants out of obedience and their love for the Savior. Too many serve for recognition or praise or to be elevated to a "still higher" position. The motive is all wrong!
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