Mary and Martha
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to God’s Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 10:38-42
At the Home of Martha and Mary
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. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Reflect
Hospitality and providing for guests was highly important in this culture, and this was not just any guest. For Martha, getting everything ready was a priority, but Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus. Jesus said that Mary had chosen to do the better thing, the only thing that was needed.. For Martha, the food would be eaten, the dishes done, and tomorrow, everything would be as it was before. But for Mary, her experience at the feet of Jesus would last forever; it could not be taken away from her.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, help us to reorder our priorities for your praise and glory and for the extension of your kingdom. Amen.