Text: Luke 10:38-42
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Well VBS is over!
It was a great week with all the children. It was a lot of work for Monica and Elise to put everything together. Adult and teen helpers, children who are brought to our care, and a fun time for all and it is all over way too soon until next year!
Work is part of all our lives even when it is fun. We serve the needs of others is important and can be fun also. We listen to instruction for how things are to be done and the children listen to us as we teach and lead. And to live - according to the great cartoon strip Ziggy many years ago in speaking about the true meaning of life - is doing stuff!
Last week we worked, served, listened and lived as followers of Christ … doing stuff at VBS. We taught, sang songs, listened to God’s word, had snacks that were provided, made crafts and played games that were fun and beneficial for the children in our care.
Thanks to all for your help and support!
Now, in our lesson for today, the wonderful Martha and Mary story that we’ve all heard many times before, it seems that Martha gets a bad rap at times. Poor Martha, doing the work, and all that she could to take care and serve the Lord’s needs, having welcomed him - and those who were traveling with him - into her house while her sister Mary only sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to His teaching.
Jesus and his disciples had been traveling as the sending of the 72 prepared the way. The Lord’s peace obviously rested on this house as Jesus was welcomed in by Martha and Mary.
Now, you know how things can go when you have guests, expected or unexpected. The visit may have been expected but the time of Christ’s arrival may not have been, and even if it was, I have yet to see a hostess who didn’t still fret over the preparation, making sure that all things were in order.
Martha was determined to see that the needs of Jesus and those with Him were met, I’m sure, with exceeding abundance and that Jesus was distinguished as a beloved guest in her house.
Mary on the other hand knew who was now visiting in her home and she was not to be taken away from her Lord - no matter what earthly things needed to be done.
“We have here two forms of service, each done for the Lord, and each with the best of intentions, the one with the work of the hands, the other in listening to the words of eternal wisdom. They need not clash, but have their worth.”
P.E. Kretzmann Popular commentary on the Bible NT Vol. 1 Pg 326
At some point and as I’m sure you can relate - Martha gets frustrated with her sister. Martha is doing all the work by herself so that Jesus can be properly served in her home and she has lost all patience with her sister Mary – who, I’m sure, remains oblivious to Martha’s dilemma.
She finally has had enough of it and in a tone that speaks of her frustration says:
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:40b
We’ll in years past I know my wife has been there … and maybe you can relate. When the kids were at home and guests were coming over, Monica would have a list of things that needed to be done … and Amy’s would be reading a book, Jon in his room or outside and dare I say … me, sitting in my chair … reading … playing guitar … maybe banjo … whatever it was … it was important stuff here! Though there was a less than enthusiastic response by us all to cleaning up for family … friends … whatever.
“Would somebody please clean the upstairs bathroom!” might be a common command. “Russ, will you take out the garbage … and when you’re done with that, please set the table?” Monica, might be heard calling.
I might think to myself … “But, I’m reading or playing here … in a comfortable … reclined … position.”
Monica’s focus is on our guests, whom ever that may be, and that they get served in the best way possible. The kids and I were a bit less joyful in service … even though we too want our guests served in the best possible way … we just don’t want to DO the work.
Now, I’m sure that if Jesus was coming to your house, you would all want to sit at His feet and listen to the wisdom that he has to say just like Mary … right?
It can be inconvenient to find time for God as there is always something else in life to do. But, the word of God that we have in our Scriptures today, is the same word of God that sat talking to Mary – the word made flesh - and the same comfort Mary received from Jesus, so that she forgot the cares Martha wrestled with, is the same comfort you too can receive by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Martha and Mary were both focused on Jesus but in different ways and the Good News that we’ve learned in our gospel lessons reminds us all that as followers of Christ, God uses us all as his messengers in the world.
But you can’t lose sight of Jesus. You need to know him - to be able to reflect him to a dying world. And while the cares of the world like those we’ve seen this past week can consume you and me.
During VBS last week we saw Martha and Mary in action. Some were Martha’s at VBS that make ready the space, food, games, set up the church and prepared the lessons. Mary’s only focus was on Jesus and the message of hope and peace to those precious little ones given into their care. Together the setting and message of hope will come together like the arms of a loving parent that these children can be wrapped in today, tomorrow and always because God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12)
As you think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ remember He was the one who was willing to give His life for you and me. Not, that Martha’s preparations for Jesus’ visit were not good, but Mary couldn't see what needed to be done - because her eyes were only fixed on her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Work, serve, listen and live!
Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, came down from heaven for you so that:
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Cor. 5:21)
Christ is the one thing necessary and He has come for you so that you might live in Him.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
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