Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

One sister served. One sister sat. Jesus said the one sitting chose better.

Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha throws herself into hosting — cooking, preparing, serving. Mary sits at Jesus' feet and listens to his teaching. Martha grows frustrated and finally erupts: Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Jesus' response is gentle but clear: 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 it will not be taken away from her. It's not a rebuke of service. It's a reordering of priorities. Sometimes the most important thing is to stop doing and start listening.

• Priorities
• Listening
• Service
• Presence