Read Luke 10:38-41
I’m Too Busy!
As Jesus and his disciples were traveling, they came to a village where a woman opened her house to Jesus. She had a sister named Mary. As Jesus began sharing and teaching, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. As Martha is working, she became irritated by the fact that Mary’s not helping her so she went to Jesus and said, “Don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and I will not take that away from her.”
I see some differences between Martha and Mary.
1. Martha invited Jesus into her house, but once Jesus was there she was distracted by “IMPORTANT” things. It was customary to prepare food for the guests. So that’s what Martha did.
When we invite Jesus into our lives, once we receive him, do we cultivate a relationship with him through the reading of God’s word and prayer? Or are we distracted by many “IMPORTANT” things?
2. Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’s feet to hear his words. She was captivated by his presence. There was nothing going on that was deemed more important than sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning and growing, including the “IMPORTANT” things, like fixing food for the guests.
3. Martha seem to be one who worried a lot which may explain why she was distracted so much. There was “always” something needing done.
4. Mary seemed to be more of a carefree person who lived in the moment, which may explain why Martha would easily get upset and butted heads with Mary.
When it comes to spending time with Jesus, is it a priority or are there always “important” distractions? As a result, in your mind, you’re too busy to sit before the Lord. You don’t have time to cultivate that personal relationship with Jesus. Instead of centering your relationship with Jesus around your busy schedule, may I suggest, like Mary, center your schedule around your time with Jesus.
