JESUS answering said to her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but there is need of one, and Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her, (Luke 10:41, 42).
Among the large circle of The LORD's acquaintances and disciples there was a family in Bethany that HE was especially close to. In fact, it is said that "JESUS loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus", (John 11:5). Bethany was situated on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives almost two miles from the city of Jerusalem. The LORD would often retire there after a long day in Jerusalem and find refreshment in the affections and devotion of this dear family, (John 12:1-3)!
It appears that it was Martha who had extended the invitation to The LORD JESUS to supper, for it is said that she "received HIM into her house", (Luke 10:38). But on this day, Martha, usually a most gracious and hospitable person, was becoming irritated with her sister, Mary. When The LORD JESUS arrived it would have been with a crowd of hungry disciples; and so Martha was "distracted" trying to prepare everything in the kitchen. She took her complaint to The LORD, and asked HIM to speak to Mary to give her help with the work. She even questioned The LORD, "Dost THOU not care that my sister has left me alone to serve? " Martha's trouble was not that the workload had drawn her away from hearing The LORD, but that her sister was not helping her!
The LORD responded, "Martha, Martha," pointing out to her that her trouble and anxiety was due to her occupation with "many things". HE defended Mary for having "chosen the good part" while at the same time graciously encouraging Martha that the food for the body could wait, but the food for the soul which is HIS WORD - the "one important thing" was The priority. To serve is important, but to sit "at the feet of JESUS" is a necessity.
B. Reynolds
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