Jesus, Mary, and Martha
Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44
“…for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42b).
America is a busy place. There is always something to do, someone to see, something to become. Endless busyness, and it all means nothing without Jesus. We see Martha and Mary. Jesus tells Martha to calm down and not be mad that Mary decided to choose the good part - Jesus himself.
We forget that too often. Disciple-making, village, Sunday gathering, making friends, school, work, dating, marriage, dogs or cats, and kids all sweep us up and beckon our names into the whirlwind of busyness.
Yet, where is busyness when tragedy strikes? Where is busyness when death grips us, darkness consumes us, and grief overcomes us? These two stories feel different, only related by the characters in them. Yet, Jesus is teaching us so many things. In busy seasons, in happy seasons, in seasons of life, and in seasons of death, Jesus remains the good portion.
He is the good part that points us to the truth when lies seem too real and believable (John 11:20-27). He is the good part that is moved in our mourning and weeps with us (John 11:30-35). Jesus is always the good part.
Hebrews 4:14-16 says this:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses but one who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”
Maybe you know and believe Jesus is the good part… But do you choose that? Do you let your belief be like Mary to choose the good part? Do you enter the throne room to sit at the feet of your King, your Savior, your God, and receive the grace and mercy that he is oh so ready to give you?
As Christians, we are called to abide…to be. I love this picture of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, as Jesus delights in her. He tells her that she’s chosen the good part - her relationship with him! Let us not forget that! Please, church, I beg you, in the midst of hanging with the boys, meeting new friends, sharing the Gospel, creating the top-tier village vibe, would we not forsake our time at the throne, choosing the good part that is Christ himself?
God, we know you are good, we believe that you satisfy, yet we choose the busy life. We choose the “doing” like Martha because we love you while forsaking the being because you are our most precious treasure. Help us choose the good part, help us to hear your voice beckoning us into your throne room. Would you silence the world’s love of busy in our lives, and would we be like Jesus turning to dwell in your presence? Help us today, tomorrow, and every day of our lives to always choose the good part. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
