In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus comes to the home of Mary and Martha. While he was visiting with them, Martha was busy serving Jesus. During this time, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching.
Martha becomes upset with Mary. She asks Jesus, “why don’t you care that Mary is not busy serving?” Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help her with all the work that needed to be done. Martha was clearly feeling overwhelmed.
Martha often gets a bad wrap here. But think about it. What was she doing? She was serving Jesus! How could that be a bad thing?
Jesus does not rebuke Martha. He offers words of comfort. Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Maybe that describes you. You find yourself anxious and troubled about many things. It is a common condition in our busy world. You are doing good things for your family, for your work, and for your God. But it has left you depleted.
We feel burdened with the obligation to live up to the expectations of others. We overload our schedule with commitments that overwhelm us. We feel as if our everything is dependent upon us and if we don’t come through, it will all collapse.
Jesus says, “one thing is necessary.” That most important thing is the relationship we have with him. Everything else flows from that. In all of the busyness, sometimes the best thing we can do is to leave all the stuff undone and sit down for an unrushed conversation with Jesus.
Recognize that if the house you are building is dependent upon you, that house will not stand. The house that is built upon Jesus will stand forever. I would rather have a shack built on a rock than a mansion built in the sand. Set aside your pride and realize that it is not all dependent upon you as much as you think. What you do make dependent upon you will one day collapse.
Our value before God is not in what we do. Our value is in who we are. Stop trying to prove yourself to God and to others. You are already have his approval. That approval comes through the relationship you have with Jesus the Savior.
Listen to these words from the Message translation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28–30
Betty says
Amen!
Jason Lennon says
“The house that is built upon Jesus will stand forever.”