What if I told you that only one thing is needful for today? What if instead of worrying about what we would wear and what we would eat, we would focus more on Christ. This is the heart of what Jesus was teaching in the story of Mary and Martha. The Bible says that Martha had invited Christ into her house. This passage explains that Mary, “…was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.” (Luke 10:39). Notice how it speaks about Mary, “listening to His word.” She was there engaged in receiving from Christ.
Martha was in the kitchen distracted with all of the preparations. Martha was the one who, “welcomed Him into her home” (Luke 10:38). Most likely she felt the need to be a proper guest and cook a good meal for him. The irony of the situation is that Jesus did not need a filling of food, but Martha needed a filling of grace. This is the man who fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. Mary was in a posture of rest while Martha was in a position of work. Too many times we try to serve to the Lord without first receiving from Him.
The passage explains how Martha told Jesus, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40). Notice her response. She blamed two people saying, “Lord, do You not care (blaming Jesus) that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? (blaming Mary)” (Luke 10:40). I love Jesus’ response. He said, “…Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).
Jesus explained how in this life we can do great works and still forget the one thing that is needful, spending time with God. What was Mary doing? She was, “listening to His word.” (Luke 10:39). Whenever we pray, read our Bible, or listen to a message, we are sitting at the feet of Jesus. Start your day off right. Spend time doing the one thing that is needful.
Anytime you see the words, “G3” this will indicate that the message was taken from an article I wrote for my local newspaper, the Bay City Sentinel.
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