I’m still lingering on the account of Martha and how she could have been seated at Jesus’ feet alongside her sister, Mary. Yes, it was a blessing for Him to be at her home. I’m sure she wanted to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, which is why I can understand her focus on the preparations. She wanted things to be just so. But she was missing the most critical part of Jesus being there – being in the presence of the Lord.
Consider Zacchaeus, who didn’t let his short stature or his wealthy status as a tax collector hinder him from seeing Jesus. He didn’t care about how he would be perceived. He shimmied up a nearby sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Jesus looked up and saw him and told him to hurry up, come down, because He needed to stay at his house.
Martha didn’t have to climb a tree, like Zacchaeus. Jesus was already present. Although He was sharing with others, she was missing the moment because of misplaced priorities. Jesus gave her clarity when he told her what she was lacking. It was up to her to decide what was next for her.
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)
19 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. Luke 19:1-5 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)