Martha and Mary
We are introduced to the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary at Bethany. Here Luke only mentions Martha and Mary for a specific reason. Jesus was evidently passing through or near the town and Martha invited him to stop for a while. Martha prepares a meal whilst Mary talks with Jesus which causes a bit of friction.
Service is highlighted as a foundational virtue throughout the bible, including an emphasis of Jesus. Therefore the irritation expressed by Martha about Mary not helping would be expected to be supported by Jesus. However, Jesus appears to support Mary. Something deeper is happening.
Luke places this short passage after the parable of the good Samaritan that emphasises good works even towards someone who would be seen as an enemy. This only highlights the contrast in the remarks of Jesus.
There is a clue in his response to Martha. Jesus says “You are worried and bothered by so many things; but only one thing is necessary…”.
Jesus wanted to use the available time to talk with them. He would have been happy with a simple meal, a bowl of soup that would be easy to produce and not as time consuming as a three course feast. Martha wanted to spoil him, to make the visit memorable, whereas Mary wanted to hear from him. Martha wanted to fuss, Mary wanted to listen. This was why Jesus said that Mary had chosen the good part.
When God gave the commandments to the Children of Israel He wanted them to read and follow them. Moses says ‘…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord’. This passage is proceeded by one where listening and following the instructions is rewarded.
Luke questions anything that can distract other than seeking the Kingdom of God.
It is easy to make a fuss over Jesus. Church history illustrates this whether it is through buildings, clothing, services or language.
This is all fuss and irrelevant. A lot of people spend all their life being worried and bothered by so many things, busy fussing. Jesus wants us to sit with him and listen to what he says. Then he wants us to put it into practice.
Background
Luke chapter 10 verses 38 to 40 - Now as they were traveling along, he (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to his word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
We are introduced to the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary at Bethany (see John chapter 11).
When God gave the commandments to the Children of Israel He wanted them to read and follow them (Deuteronomy chapter 8 verses 1 to 3). Moses says ‘…man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord’. This passage is proceeded by one where listening and following the instructions is rewarded (Deuteronomy chapter 7 e.g. verse 12).
Luke questions anything that can distract other than seeking the Kingdom of God (Luke chapter 12 verses 21 to 23, 31).