The Good Portion

Lk. 10:411-42

"But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

How exciting for Mary and Martha that Jesus was visiting their home! Yet they each expressed their excitement in different ways. Being a great hostess, Martha graciously welcomed Him into her home. In fact, she was in a dither getting everything just right from the food to the table setting. The passage said she was distracted with much serving. How like a woman to be so consumed with the presentation that she forgot to enjoy the guest! As the evening wore on, she became upset, really just worn out! So she went to Jesus and complained about Mary who was not helping her carry out her self-imposed burden. She was sure that Jesus would tell Mary to help. By contrast, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching. She was focused on enjoying the presence of their guest. The food, the presentation, and the serving were not her principle concern, and as Martha observed this, her displeasure was heightened. 
 
Jesus observed all this and spoke gently yet firmly. His words not only clarified the issue but resolved the struggle. He identified Martha's anxiety and troubled spirit as coming from her busyness. It truly was her own choosing that was her undoing! But Mary had chosen the better thing which would never be taken from her. Martha's serving, though nice, was short lived. When the meal was over, all her labor would be forgotten, but Mary's time with Jesus had eternal value. She knew that His words were the living bread and water and that no physical food could ever be a substitute. I think that this lesson reaches much farther than the kitchen and teaches a clear principle. No amount of work or serving can take the place of one-on-time with Jesus! I must sit at His feet listening to Him. Activities are not a substitute for quality time! 
 
Father,
Teach me to sit quietly at Your feet. Make my ears attune to Your Spirit's voice. Expose my human effort for what it really is.
In Jesus name,
Amen