In our story today, we have a sibling dynamic that many people can relate to. Before we get too deep into the story, l want to let you know that this is not the first time that Martha and Mary have met Jesus. In fact, Martha and Mary had a brother named Lazarus, and the trio was deeply loved by Jesus. 

John 11:5 (NIV)

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Luke 10:38–42 (ESV)

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Have you ever met someone that gets so wrapped up in getting to a destination, that they miss the joy of the ride? That is exactly what we have here in Luke 10 when it comes to Martha and Mary. It is a mystery to me, but there are people that get wrapped up in making sure that environments are absolutely perfect to facilitate the right experience. I would also go out on a limb to say that there are people who probably lean too far the other way and don’t care enough about their environment because all they care about is the experience, but that isn’t the focus on the passage today. 

Posture matters to Jesus

I know that Martha is going to get a bad wrap for most of this message, but I want to come out and say that there are a lot of people in the room and watching this online that can identify with Martha more than Mary in this story. Martha’s heart was not to ignore Jesus or to be angry at her sister. As a matter of fact, Martha was just doing what she had grown up doing. This process was familiar to her and it was a cultural norm at the time. When you have guests come to your home, chances are that you like your come to be mostly clean, if not spotless.

I want you to notice the difference of posture between the two women in the story. 

Mary: Sitting a Jesus’ feet. HANGING on every word that He had to offer.

Martha: “Distracted” is the way that Luke describes her.  

Psalm 46:10 

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. 

"At the crossroads of decision-making, Martha had opted for worldly expectation and social obligation; Mary, for hearing Christ’s Word. Martha needed to change her priorities. When the Word is taught, listen. All else is secondary" -Trent C. Butler

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek first the kingdom of God 

Mary was occupied with Jesus; Martha was preoccupied with herself. What we do with Christ is far more important than what we do for Christ, for submission leads to obedience and service. - Warren W. Wiersbe,

Perspective matters to Jesus

41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:41-42

“Time spent in the Word of Christ (what He said to Mary in this case) and in prayer to Christ (what she said in inquiry to Christ) will be a benefit to you for eternity. So many things that we do will only benefit us temporarily. But studying the Word of God and praying to the God of the Word will be eternal in blessing. Never sacrifice the eternal on the altar of the present.”John G. Butler.

Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.