By all the preparations

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!” (Luke 10:40)

 

Martha and Maria were the sisters of Lazarus, who were brought back from the dead in the grave. They served Jesus very faithfully at ordinary times. The acts of Maria who was eager to listen to the words of Jesus, and of Martha who was distracted by all the preparations give us each important lesson. And we know what Jesus’ concluding remarks mean in the Bible. The purpose of this message is to focus on Martha’s action and learn a lesson from it. Why does it focus on Martha? You may wonder. For there are many people like Martha among us, and their role is very important.

 

Jesus the Son of God the Trinity came to the world once as the Son of Man. He talked and lived with people on the earth. Jesus seems to have been very close to the family of Lazarus in Bethany. Jesus even wept when He reached the tomb of the dead Lazarus, as written in John 11:35. Not only He showed the power of the Son of God to be alive Lazarus from death, but also rode on a young donkey that had been brought from the house of Lazarus, when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem before the Sufferings. Jesus the Lord had a specially close relationship with the family of Lazarus during His public life for men. The relationship in the ordinary life as well as in the gospel of Christ can make a great consolation and strength for each other. Lazarus’ family who had such a relationship with Jesus were really happy people who were blessed in God. It is desirable for us to have such a good relationship and to share help to each other in Christ.

On that day, Martha greeted Jesus, who had stopped by the village Bethany, and took Him to their house. Her younger sister, Maria, sat before Jesus the Lord and listened to His words. They were sisters, but had each different personalities; the elder Martha worked hard at serving and the younger Maria concentrated on listening to Jesus. We can’t argue with favoritism from an individual’s subjective point of view, for the propensity of person is given differently through his parents by God. If any propensity is not contrary to God’s will, it is desirable to use it carefully. Therefore, Martha’s tendency to treat diligently is good, and Maria’s character is not bad too. However, the attitude of insisting only on one’s own will is likely to cause discord with others in social life. Maria’s attitude would be enough to stir up discord. Meanwhile, Martha, who was busy, was unhappy with her Maria’s non-cooperation, so she asked Jesus to let the younger help herself.

Martha said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” When Jesus heard this request, He answered with two things; He pointed out what Martha’s problem is, and said that Maria’s position is important. It was Martha’s problem that she cared too much for the meal reception. In doing that good job, she was criticized for her mistake. We know there are many volunteers of faith in the church, and they work hard on donations, food, and body activities. It is true that social services help people in and out of the church and entertain the whole. But it would be better if they remembered this word from Jesus. <Even if it’s sad, only a few or one kind of food is efficient. However, it is not desirable to disturb or neglect the worship service.>

And Maria was in a position to be praised. Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” What does ‘what is better’ mean here? We can easily guess the answer that ‘listening to Jesus’ is ‘what is better.’

 

Jesus decided that Maria was in the right. I think everyone understand well the answer. However that doesn’t mean that Martha’s job is useless. Service for fellowship and church activities of the members is also important. But even if offerings and services are precious in worship, it doesn’t take precedence over listening to Christ. God will be more pleased with you, if you put more emphasis on worship and do your best to serve your fellowship.

 

(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on Feb 2nd 2020)