Handt Hanson HEART WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 | DEUTERONOMY 8:3 The heart of Mary and Martha’s story is how each one responds to Jesus. Martha is busy with the tasks of hospitality. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teaching, much to the irritation of her sister. Martha complains to Jesus about it, and while her complaint is clear, Jesus’ response is not. He says, “One thing is needful.” The Greek can be translated, “Few things are needful, or only one.” Is Jesus saying that Martha only needs to prepare a single dish to eat, instead of a buffet? Is it possible that serving has started to feel too much like work to Martha? It isn’t clear, but the symbolism is: the one thing truly needed is Jesus, the Word of God. This story reinforces Deuteronomy 8:3. People often come down on Martha pretty hard, but that’s a mistake. Jesus isn’t looking for disciples who merely sit at his feet. There must be a balance between hearing the word and doing the word, which is probably why Luke places this story right after the story about the good Samaritan. Jesus tells the lawyer to go and do. Jesus tells Martha to sit and listen. Perhaps if we asked Jesus which example applies to us, his answer would be “yes.” Are you more like the lawyer, or more like Martha? Has serving ever felt too much like work for you? How does this story speak to you? This week, sink into “being.” Take notice of how much distraction there is all around. Unplug, sit back, detach, get quiet and sink into being. Like · · 2 hours ago near Prior Lake ·
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:12:48 +0000
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