July 24 - Luke 10:28-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We know from other passages that Jesus was quite friendly with this little family. The two sisters and their brother Lazarus were close enough to Jesus that one could whine a little at him, another sister could avoid the housework and the Son of God wept when he discovered their brother had died.

They lived in Bethany – not too far from Jerusalem.  Jesus was comfortable in their home.

It’s interesting to see the interplay of the characters in this little vignette.  When Jesus spoke to his disciples and then to the larger crowds, he was very general in his preaching. He rarely spoke to individuals and chided them for their behavior.

But, he was so comfortable with these siblings, that when Martha wanted him to push her sister into helping with the household chores, he called her out, like any good friend or sibling might.  Martha knew he loved her, even if he scolded her.

It might seem odd, but this is the same type of relationship he wants to have with us – where he is welcome in our homes and in our hearts, where he can scold us and love us when we get out of line.

There’s an old song we used to sing at the beginning of Sunday School each week:

Into my heart. Into my heart, Come into my heart Lord Jesus.
Come in today, Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Amen.