MARY AND MARTHA
“How many are coming?” asked Martha.
“Simeon didn’t say,” replied Mary. “He wasn’t sure. He said seventy two were going ahead of Jesus as they were traveling this way, but that was a while back. He’ll have at least ten with Him, or maybe twenty, though some won’t come as far as Bethany.”
“Let’s get to work, then! Would you go to the market and buy as much fish as you can? You should get a good price if you explain that the Teacher is coming.”
“Yes, and will you get water from the well and begin the pot for the stew? There’s plenty of lentils, chickpeas and onions. Oh, and put in some of that salted goat meat left over from the feast. That will make it good and tasty.”
When Mary returned home carrying a full basket of fresh fish on her head, the sun was setting and Martha had lit the oil lamps. The stew was bubbling gently over the fire and Martha was taking the last round of bread from the oven. Mary roasted the fish over the embers, turning them often.
“I hear voices! They’re here!” called Martha from the doorway. Both women picked up their skirts and ran out to greet Jesus, Peter, John and their other friends.
“Welcome! Welcome! Come in! Lazarus is away right now. He will be sorry to have missed you all.”
A village girl washed the tired feet of the visitors who then crowded into the room, sitting on rush mats on the floor.
“But how do we know what’s right?” asked Simeon. “Rabbi Isaac says we should shun evil. Surely we shouldn’t have anything to do with that foreigner.”
Martha went out to the storeroom to get cheese; Mary was arranging dates and melon slices on a wooden platter when she paused and strained to hear Jesus’ words, “…our Father… children… love…,” she heard. Hungry for knowledge, she scooped the remaining fruit onto the platter, placed it on the table and went to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Martha returned with a cheese. She noticed Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. All this work to do, she muttered to herself as she set the cheese on the table. So many people to feed and she sits over there like she’s one of the men! Salt! We should have more salt and herbs on the table for the bread…and the best olive oil. We should taste the stew before serving. Martha did not hear what Jesus said. Her thoughts were elsewhere. Mary should know her place! She should be serving! Doesn’t she care?
Her resentment towards Mary grew and stepping between those seated she went up to Jesus and asked, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”1
Martha turned and left, her face flushed.
But Mary listened to Jesus and found peace. Then she stood up, smoothed her dress and checked on the stew.
“Master,” said Mary, “the meal is ready. Come and eat! Martha, shall I ladle out the soup?”
After the meal, the women collected the scraps and fed them to the chickens. The men pondered questions about life and the women listened as they worked. Jesus’ words had stung Martha into silence but now, as she listened, her attitude softened. She realized that Jesus’ rebuke was justified and given in love. Her anger had distorted the truth because, in fact, Mary had been working just as hard as she had to make preparations. Also the meal had already been prepared for serving when Mary had gone to sit at Jesus’ feet. Yes, eating and drinking were important, vital for physical life; but the inner life of mind, heart and spirit needed nourishment too.
At times I too, like Martha, get busy, fuss unnecessarily and block the quieting, helpful words of Jesus. At other times, like Mary, I ponder his words carefully and talk to Him about the tough questions in life. Jesus said, “I am the Truth2,” and truth brings peace.
1 Luke 10:40-42 New Living Translation
2 See John 14:6
