The Good Part

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

As they were traveling to Jerusalem, remember, Jesus was on the way to become the propitiation for our sins. They entered the village of Bethany. We know about Bethany. His friend Lazarus lived there, with his sisters Martha and Mary. Nothing with Jesus' journey was by happenstance. This was a divine appointment. Martha welcomed Him and began bustling about. Mary sat at His feet, mesmerized.

We know these women. At some point, each of us has been each of these women. There are personality traits displayed here, though, and it seems Martha was a fussbudget. She overprepared a huge spread when a simple dish would have sufficed for these hungry travelers. Not only did she overdo, but she insisted that her sister help with the kitchen work, and wanted Jesus to order Mary to help. Well, it backfired. Martha was allowing the details of life to distract her from the most important event in her life, at least so far.

Jesus had things to tell them. Truth to teach. Doctrine to impart. A limited time to share these treasures with His friends. Mary, as with all who are positive to God's Word, instantly realized how important this time with Him would be. We've got the rest of our lives to cook and eat. This may be our last opportunity to learn from the Lord, face-to-face!

Mary chose the good part. It will never be taken away. What a magnificent promise! We who love the Word of God always do recognize it's truth, whenever and wherever it is being taught. We recognize others who share this love, whenever and wherever we meet them. It is a bond that transcends all other human relationships. Koinonia. A sharing in common. Fellowship. We have a fellowship with Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Elijah, David, Jeremiah, The Twelve (except Judas), Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, our deceased Christian relatives. When you know and share a person's beliefs, you know the person. Even over centuries of history. He is our brother. IN CHRIST.

Martha, a few sandwiches will do nicely. Come sit with us while we share the Word of God.