I love many stories in the bible but one of my favorites is Luke 10:38-42. It tells the story of a family living in Bethany. Lazarus, Martha and Mary are siblings and they are friends of Jesus. I have always liked this story. Even as a teenager I was drawn to it because I could relate. While I didn’t understand the full meaning when I was young, I felt a connection especially with the sisters. I too, have a younger sister.

As an adult, one day a friend called me Martha. I was confused by her comment and when I questioned her, she said, “You’re such a Martha. You worry about everything.” I reread the story in Luke and thought once again, “Yep, Martha is doing all the prep work for company by herself. Jesus and his apostles are good friends so she wants everything to be perfect. Sounds like what I would do. Yes, I am a Martha.”

I take pride in my home, my appearance, even the plans I make with friends. I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed when they spend time with me. I can understand why Martha took this visit of her friends so seriously. There was so much preparation to do, food to cook and serve. Being the hostess alone must have been frustrating for her. And I probably would have said the same thing to Jesus. “Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40). I too, would have thought Mary was being selfish by sitting near Jesus and listening to him speak. I’m sure Martha would rather be hanging out in the living room with her friends than working in the kitchen. But someone had to feed those hungry guys. No pizza delivery in those days!

Then to top off her frustration, Jesus seems to take Mary’s side. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42). 

While it appears that Mary is the selfish one, she later does something extraordinary. She gives her greatest treasure, a year’s worth of money to buy the most expensive, highest quality perfume. Then she puts it on Jesus’ feet and spreads it with her hair. This is a very selfless act of love and devotion described in John 12:3.

Martha and Mary probably had different personalities just as my sister and I have. But they both loved Jesus and wanted to serve him. I have learned there are so many ways to serve our Lord. I can “be a Martha” by being organized and performing the tasks at hand. I can give my time to community organizations who serve the less fortunate. I can show my love and devotion to my family and friends. I can “be a Mary” by studying His Word, listening to Him speak to my heart and following His lead. In truth, I am trying to be both. I’m trying to be a Mary while living in a Martha world.

Can you relate to these sisters? Are you a Martha or a Mary? He loves us no matter how we serve Him.

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40 (NIV)

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.” John 12:3 (NIV)

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)