Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 10: 38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Reflect
Hospitality and providing for your guests was highly important in this culture and this was not just any guest. Martha was annoyed that her sister Mary was not fulfilling her obligation to him. Both Mary’s actions and Jesus’ response could not have been more counter cultural. Mary chose to sit at Jesus feet, placing herself in the position of a pupil – which was not an accepted practice for a female. Jesus commended her actions and the choice she had made. It was a choice that would have a lasting impact, not only on her life, but the culture.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, help us to re-order our priorities for your praise and glory and for the extension of your Kingdom. Amen.