The end of Luke 10 tells the famous story of Martha and Mary’s initial interaction with Jesus at their home. I’ve always summarized this story as Mary, the one who got it right, and Martha, the one who got it wrong. I thought Mary was commended for choosing the presence of Jesus, while Martha was reprimanded for overworking. Obviously, I should want to be like Mary, but I often relate to Martha instead. I have a feeling we all do. We can all be a Martha. As I have reflected on this story this holiday season and as 2020 is coming to a close, I have realized that there is much more depth to this account and to Jesus’ relationship with Martha.
Martha had the beautiful gift of hospitality. According to Luke 10:38, it was Martha who welcomed Jesus into her home. She desired to do the right thing; she wanted to serve Jesus. The gift of hospitality is essential to the body of Christ, and being hospitable is something all believers are called to do. This commandment, that I often overlooked, is found throughout the New Testament, and it is reflected in the actions of the church throughout Acts. We are to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). I believe that showing hospitality was exactly what Martha was striving to do for her Lord. However, she simply became distracted with her serving. She became too focused on her efforts, expectations, and responsibilities. She lost sight of the reason she was serving in the first place, even though He was right in front of her. When Jesus called Martha’s distraction and anxiousness to her attention, He didn’t do so out of punishment or comparison to her sister. His correction served as a revelation. Jesus was showing Martha that He is the only necessary thing. Her service and hospitality was meant to flow from His presence. Most importantly, Jesus was showing Martha his love for her as a child of God not based on her actions. Later in scripture, as Jesus crosses paths with this family again to raise Lazarus, it says, “Now Jesus loved Martha…” (John 11:5). All along, this was the fundamental truth. Jesus loved her.
In the same way, Jesus loves you and I.
I know from experience, that it can be too easy to get distracted by our daily responsibilities and acts of service, even if it is something we have been gifted in and are doing for Jesus. Many things seek our attention and the holiday season, even with its many differences this year, can be all-consuming. In the midst of our service and efforts, let’s choose to keep our eyes on Jesus, and when we fall short, we can know that He loves us. He loves us truly and deeply just as we are. He invites us into His presence. The love of Christ is the greatest gift we will be given, and His love is the greatest gift we can share with others.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”