We have been considering how to have a “Mary” heart, one that loves to be involved in spiritual concerns, while living in a “Martha” world, one that makes tremendous demands on our time, energy, and focus. Listen to Jesus give His solution…
HOW TO HAVE ONE IN THE MIDST OF THE OTHER (10:41-42):
First, Jesus recognized the good heart that Martha had. She was “worried” and “bothered” about the things that she felt were important. Jesus valued Martha’s servant heart. Jesus knew there were things that could have been done. He acknowledged that there were certain expectations placed on Martha and she felt like she needed to take care of those immediate needs.
But secondly, Jesus also verbalizes the principle that would help all of us be stronger Christians. “One thing is necessary (vs 41).” Can you boil down all God’s expectations of us to one principle? To one sentence? How can you have a “Mary” heart in a “Martha” world? How can you be a strong, faithful Christian in this ungodly, sinful world of 21st century America?
Jesus tells us. One principle. One sentence. “Mary has chosen the good part.” Mary has chosen the best thing. Is serving good? Yes, but learning is better. You have the opportunity to learn, especially at the feet of Jesus. Take the opportunity. Make the most of your time for the days are evil, Paul said in Ephesians 5:16. Priorities.
In fact, this story follows on the heels of the parable of the good Samaritan (10:25-37) in which Jesus concluded, saying, “Go and do the same.” That parable has to do with loving our neighbor; this one has to do with loving our God.
That would solve a lot of problems in our lives. Priorities. Choosing the good part. Bible study among fellow Christians only comes around three times a week. Choose the good part. Worship among fellow Christians comes around only three times a week. Choose the good part. Is it good to serve? Absolutely. “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.”
168 hours we have in the week. We have lots of time to work at work and to work at home. Choose the good part. Open Bible study and worship. Jesus says that’s the good part. In our case, that’s four hours a week. Four out of 168. That’s 2% of your time. 2%. Four out of 168 hours is 2%. Jesus said a “Mary” heart in a “Martha” world chooses the good part: sitting at the feet of Jesus.
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The great thing is the last thing Jesus says: “this shall not be taken away from her” (vs 42). The teaching we receive from Jesus goes deep down inside our hearts and into our souls. It becomes a part of our being so that it can never be taken away from us. The time we spend with Jesus is time invested in our spiritual lives, preparing us for eternity.
So if we’re going to live with God throughout eternity, doesn’t it make sense to spend a little more time preparing for it here and now? 2%. Four hours a week getting ready for the greatest blessing we will have ever experienced in our lives.
A “Mary” heart loves to worship and loves to learn about Jesus. A “Martha” world is this world we live in that makes so many demands on our time and energy. The way to have the former in the midst of the latter is to choose the good part. To make sure our priorities are right.
Having a healthy body isn’t going to get us to heaven. Living in a nice, clean house isn’t going to get us to heaven. Driving a quiet, clean, fuel-efficient car isn’t going to get us to heaven. Enjoying relaxing, fun-filled vacations isn’t going to get us to heaven.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus will. Let’s do it.
Colossians 3:1-2: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
–Paul Holland
