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In the tenth chapter of Luke, we encounter the familiar story of Martha and Mary. Jesus has turned aside from his ministry travels to accept Martha’s invitation to take rest and refreshment in her home. While Martha busies herself with serving, Mary simply and literally sits at Jesus’ feet to hear what He might say. As happens sometimes between siblings, whether children or adults, Martha noticed with dismay that Mary was not helping her with the serving. She complained to Jesus, probably thinking He would immediately see the inequity of her plight and would, however kindly, charge Mary to help her. Most likely to her complete amazement, Jesus gave her a mild rebuke. He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” The words of Jesus imply that Martha had a great deal more on her mind at that moment than providing hospitality. She was worried and troubled about many things, though we are not privy to the details. Note that Jesus did not rebuke Martha for serving or showing hospitality. He rebuked her concerning her state of mind and heart. He pointed out that Mary, who no doubt had worries and troubles of her own, demonstrated the proper frame of mind and heart by sitting at His feet and learning from Him. The Scriptures were written for our instruction. When Jesus spoke to Martha, He was speaking to us. Jesus knows that we have worries and troubles. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous…” (Psalm 34:19) Jesus was saying to Martha and to us that, even though there is work to do, and even though there are very real troubles, trials, and afflictions that threaten to overwhelm us, the best thing we can do—even above working—is to spend time at Jesus’ feet, learning of Him. Perhaps the Protestant work ethic has contributed to the prosperity of our nation, but we must understand from the words of Jesus that listening to Him is even more important than our labor. Even the most prodigious efforts of man cannot produce the prosperity that comes only through attending to the words of Jesus. I suspect that, for each of us, there are times in our lives when, no matter what we do or think, the pieces just won’t come together. The simplest tasks somehow cannot be brought to completion. Everything seems to be working against us. Perhaps that is because we have become worried and troubled about many things, and have forgotten to sit at the feet of Jesus. Let us commit ourselves today to put things in proper perspective. Let us first attend to the words of Jesus, and live by them. Let us hold on to that better part which will not be taken away from us, even while we continue to labor diligently in our respective callings. May God richly bless you as you begin a new year of homeschooling! Sincerely, Mark L. Beuligmann, M.S. Ed. Administrative Director Christian Liberty Academy School System |
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