Martha pursed her lips and clenched her jaw as she watched Mary, her sister, follow the men to sit at Jesus’ feet. Martha loved having Jesus in her home. He and his disciples were always welcome. Their visits were one of the joys of her life. But there was a lot to do, cooking and providing for so many men. It made her angry that Mary sneaked off when things were busiest.
Martha was secure in Jesus’ love for her. She told him exactly what she thought. Some say he rebuked her, but perhaps it is better called instruction: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’.” (Luke 10:41-42) At that important moment, Mary was seeking the eternal; Martha was not. Martha learned something that day.
We are often reluctant to share our deepest feelings with the Lord. Irrationally, we believe if we don’t say it, he won’t know it. The Lord wants us to be totally honest and open with him. He can surely handle our strongest emotions. As we confess our struggles, we lay down our pride and learn from his counsel, like Martha did.
Excerpt from the Women of Faith Study Bible, NIV
