August 17, 2025 – The Day That Wouldn’t Slow Down (Martha/Mary) – Luke 10:38–42

Ever have a day so full you miss the most important thing? Martha did — and Jesus shows her (and us) how to choose what matters most.

 Luke 10:38-42 describes Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is busy with household tasks while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. When Martha complains that Mary isn’t helping, Jesus gently rebukes Martha, saying that Mary has chosen the better part by focusing on his words. The passage highlights the importance of prioritizing time with God and listening to His teachings, even amidst other responsibilities.  

Elaboration:
Martha’s Hospitality and Distraction:
Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and is initially focused on providing hospitality.However, she becomes overwhelmed and distracted by the work involved in preparing for Jesus and his disciples.  

Mary’s Focus on Jesus:
In contrast, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, attentively listening to his teachings. This is a position of a disciple learning from a teacher.  

Martha’s Complaint and Jesus’ Response:
Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping, asking him to tell her to assist.Jesus responds by gently rebuking Martha, saying that she is “anxious and troubled about many things,” while Mary has chosen the “better part,” which will not be taken away from her.  

Prioritizing Intimacy with God:
The passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with God and listening to His word, rather than becoming overly consumed by worldly tasks and anxieties. It suggests that true discipleship involves both hearing God’s word and putting it into practice.  

Balancing Service and Spiritual Growth:
While Martha’s actions demonstrate a desire to serve, the passage suggests that service should be balanced with spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment and learning from him. 

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him.[a] 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s[b] feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, 42 but few things are needed—indeed only one.[c] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”