38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 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.” 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.”
Luke 10:38-42
Luke chapter 10 mentions that the 70 disciples returned from preaching the gospel with joy. They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, and even the devils were subdued by them! In this chapter, the Bible also mentions that a lawyer asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life? It turns out that work is an important part of our life! Our work affects our perception of who we are. Who are you? What do you do? What gift do you have? Disciples preach, and lawyers teach the law, so what can we do to inherit eternal life? Then the chapter followed by the story of Martha and Mary, what did they do to define their worth and identity?
Some people say that Martha was the role model of a first-century woman and the most popular. Hard-working was one of the most important virtues of the working class at that time, and it was even an essential criterion for wife selection.
It was not a trivial matter for Martha to receive Jesus into her home. There were many disciples with Jesus, so Martha received Jesus and the disciples into her home. Martha had to provide food and drinks for so many. She used all her talents to give them what they needed. Martha is indeed a very worthy character!
Martha’s sister Mary, instead of serving hard together, sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Jesus. Mary’s identity did not lie in what she did toil and work. On the contrary, she chooses her relationship with Jesus, and Jesus even said that Mary chose the good portion! This good portion can be chosen by anyone and does not require any gifts or skills. Nor is it because of what work or contribution we have done, but just sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him! This is a relationship we have chosen. Jesus even said that this choice cannot be taken away! It turns out that our gifts and work will pass away one day, and we will also age, lose memory, and lose the ability to work. But when we choose our relationship with Jesus, just sit and listen to him, this is the most beautiful service! It is also what the Lord appreciates, most precious, and treasures most! It cannot be taken away!
Who are you? It does not depend on your gift, your work, or your contribution, but on the contrary, our relationship with the Lord! Do we pay attention to listening to His words before the Lord and establish the most intimate relationship with Him? This defines our true identity and service. While we are busy serving with our gifts and working to prove or strengthen our identity, please don’t forget that the greatest service is to have the most personal and intimate relationship with the Lord before the Lord! Enjoy that we are the dear darlings of the Lord and the children of the Heavenly Father! Sit before the Lord and listen to Him every day. Draw Near to God (DNTG)!
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