As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.”
Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 (WEB)
In biblical times, guests were most often welcomed into the home with a meal.
In most cases, bread was served with every meal.
Sometimes, the meal consisted of bread alone.
In this scripture, Martha is found busy preparing to serve Jesus and the disciples.
Imagine for a moment.
Martha is in the kitchen kneading the dough, rolling the dough, building the fire, and placing the bread in the oven.
Jesus is at her home, and the desire to prepare the best meal for Him becomes overwhelming.
There is so much to do.
It could take 2-3 hours just to make the bread.
Martha was frustrated and overwhelmed with all there was to do.
Is it possible that Mary was aware of the same to do list?
After all, Mary would be accustomed to the amount of work that goes into preparing for guests.
Martha realizes "I have help, but she's sitting down, while I am working hard!"
Then Martha's heart spills out.
"Jesus, don't you care that Mary is not helping me?"
"Are you going to make her get up and help me?"
One Thing Is Needed
Martha can be applauded for productivity.
She chose to be productive in service to those that were present.
However, Mary chose to sit in the presence of the One that could teach her how to serve most effectively; in every area of life.
Martha wanted to be sure that the everything was prepared correctly for her guests.
She wanted the bread to be perfect.
Mary knew that physical bread was necessary.
However, Mary knew that she could not live on bread alone.
Therefore, she sat at Jesus' feet to hear every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God.
Mary chose the Bread of Life.
Productivity, in the proper context is necessary, and has its place in our lives. However, no amount of doing for God, should ever take precedence of our being in relationship with Him. Let us always remember, that everything that we do for God, should always be a result of the overflow of our relationship with God. His presence is the one thing that is needful. He is the good part.
For Reflection
1. What is my personal definition of productivity?
2. Is my productivity an overflow of my relationship with God?
3. How can I be intentional in prioritizing God as most important in my life?
Scriptures:
Luke 10:38-42
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