‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.”

Take a moment to think about the backstory to today’s verses. Yesterday we read about Lazarus’ death and resurrection in John 11:1-37 NIV. Between Martha, Mary, Jesus, and friends, they experienced many different emotions of sadness, grief, confusion and anger. Just days later they experienced hope, relief, joy and celebration. 

Take a moment to think about how you handle all those emotions spiritually, mentally, and physically. Do you tend to slow down and process them? Do you fill your day with busyness, to avoid your emotions or put them off to process another day? Even Jesus wept with Martha and Mary. 

Now let’s take a moment to look at what we know about Martha and Mary.

Martha

• Martha opened her home to Jesus, His disciples, and friends.
• Martha was distracted by all the preparations. 
• Martha complained to Jesus about how Mary left her to do all the work.
• Martha was worried and upset.
• Martha seemed to be bitter.

Mary

• Mary sat at the feet of Jesus.
• Mary listened to Jesus and what He had to say.
• Mary made a good choice.
• Mary can’t be stripped of her time with Jesus.
• Mary seems to be content.

As we go about this week together, may we find a healthy balance and know when to be a Martha and when to be a Mary. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for both weeping and laughing with me. Thank You for renewing my hope and giving me a spirit of joy. Help me to find a healthy balance between my Martha mind and my Mary soul. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.