Luke 10:38-42 ~ has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her

Jesus with the Samaritan Woman, painted by Henryk Siemiradzki


Luke 10:38-42 ~ (New Revised Standard Version)

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

The Message ~
As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

^41-42The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

People have been known to complain to Jesus. I know I called my own mother yesterday to complain. Same thing, I wasn't appreciated. I'm thinking it's possible, Martha's brother Lazarus, might have found his way into the kitchen to say "Is it ready Yet? What are you making? Not that, no one thinks that's good! OMG, this is Jesus, can't you come up with the Good fatted calf?"

Or maybe someone helpful came to tell Martha that Mary's hair was beautiful today and she seemed to glow. Did Mary have a new robe / chiton . Yes, I'm sure that is where the glow of inner peace and love comes from.

Or maybe the snake slithered in to say, "Good thing we have such good.... help."

My mother had good Jesus advice. What is good Jesus advice? It is surprising. It doesn't make you weep with more self-pity. Jesus advice makes you aware that there is more than just that beautiful golden circle of... self-interest. Jesus advice, goes like this: ".... Who do you work for? (God) Who was pleased? (God) Do you feel pleased with your efforts? Pull up your adult underclothes and go on. (i.e. big girl panties or gird your loins - choose the phrase meaningful to you, "loin-cloth" in Hebrew is ezor.)" It is important to note Jesus advice, is given kindly. With a caress and an outstretched hand.

Think about it. The woman at the well wanted the trouble to be hidden, she was ostracized, was living in sin and then she wanted Jesus to accept her. Jesus advice surprised her.

Jesus advice is to please the Lord and be loved by Him. To bask in that love and be grateful. There's always His outstretched hand!

Thank You, Father. Your advice is to love and get past ourselves. Help us to appreciate others as much as our own feelings. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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