Who is Martha? 

She is exasperated by the amount of tasks that she has on her plate on any given day.  She is always trying to balance her list of to-do’s so they do not overwhelm her.  Her jobs, projects, accomplishments, and hobbies have been the source where she may receive recognition that proves she is worth something.  Martha is talented and self-reliant and is a get-er-done personality. She is the first to raise her hand to help when a need arises or the go-to when help is needed. 

We read how Martha earned her namesake in the interaction she had with Jesus.  She was stuck in the kitchen while everyone else was sitting around with Jesus.  There was so much work to do and she had no help!  She thought she would just tell on her sister, and Jesus would tell Mary where she belonged and that was in the kitchen with her!  I distinctly remember reading this story for the first time and being so surprised at Jesus’s response.  I too thought it was unfair that Martha had to do all the work!  Yet, as Jesus gently rebuked Martha we see clearly why-

 And Jesus answered and said to her, “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.” See full account Luke 10:38-42

Martha’s are often humble in that they do not seek praises – outwardly.  They just do what needs doing because this is how they have always done it.  Being busy is like a drug to them. On the outside what they do can be seen as self-sacrificing and commendable but this is not how the Lord sees.  In truth, Martha’s are driven by a broken heart that she hides or ignores.. 

Martha never has the time to sit with Jesus, to rest and simply be with Him not because she doesn’t want to but because there is always something that needs her attention or if not to do, then in making plans for her next task.  Her prayers are hurried and scattered and bible reading is without depth for her lack of focus.  When she finally has a moment in the evening, she falls asleep in exhaustion having spent her day and energy in doing all that needs doing! Martha knows who Jesus Christ is but has not yet made herself known to Him.

Who is Mary?

Mary has left her natural inclinations behind and repented (of being like Martha). She no longer lives according to her broken heart because she has found her place in Christ and lives by faith there. Mary is in love with the Lord because He has captivated her and so dwells with her. She is bold and no longer lets culture or anyone tell her how she is to live because she looks to the Lord for this in His Word.  

As believer’s in Christ we have all been a Martha pre Christ and our task today is to keep ourselves from Martha so we do not fall back in serving as she serves. 

Who is Mary? She is who comprises of His Church and is the virtuous wife Proverbs 31. We are the Lord’s dwelling place and are devoted to Him. We readily and with joy sit at His feet and together we accomplish much!

Who can find a virtuous wife? 
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.