“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.” Luke 10:38
Martha was a giving person who welcomed Jesus and his companions into her home. I imagine that he greatly appreciated the warm hospitality he received. Their home was a place where he felt welcomed and at ease. He knew that Martha was a hard worker and I am sure that he valued her efforts and labors. When Martha became upset and distressed, she took her troubles straight to Jesus and guess what....He listened and He cared.
God promises that we can also bring our cares straight to Him. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Jesus knows the inner turmoil of our hearts and as the Great Physician, he also knows the cure. We know from the scripture that Martha was distracted with all of her preparations. We also know that she was becoming vexed toward Mary. Jesus heard her out and then he lovingly pointed out to her that at that point in time, she was focusing on the wrong priorities. All of that busy work she was immersed in was not necessary.
“But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."” Luke 10:41-42
I don’t know about you , but if I am not careful, I can easily find myself “anxious and troubled about many things”. When I feel overwhelmed and tired, I also find it easier to find fault with others. In fact, I become disgruntled with all of my circumstances. It’s a vicious spiraling downward cycle. Do you find that true as well? And when that happens, I also find that I am so caught up in my busyness that I neglect my time with God.
The Bible tells us that Jesus loved Martha. Because he loved her, he pointed out what she needed to correct within her heart. His goal was for her heart to find rest, peace, and comfort. This correction was meant as a blessing....one promised to us as well. Because He loves us, He corrects us.
“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
I believe that Martha responded favorably in her heart to the correction of Jesus. She believed in him so much that when her brother died, she went to meet him as soon as she heard he was in town. She told him she believed he could have healed her brother and then Jesus revealed to her that He had even more power than that.
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."” John 11:25-27
Martha showed the faith of belief. That same promise of eternal life is given to us as well. Like Martha, Jesus asks of each of us “ Do you believe?” And he promises to reward our belief in Him. He corrects us and teaches us. He does not condemn us.
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever 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.” John 3:16-17
Martha may have had some heart work to do that day that Jesus was in her home but that doesn’t mean her gifts were not valuable. When we have our priorities straight, God uses our service toward others to extend Christian warmth and grace. His Word instructs us in how to reap the full blessing of a servant’s heart. It’s about putting Him first and He promises His peace can rule in our hearts.
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:”
1 Peter 4:9-10
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
