Is an acorn an oak tree when it sprouts? Is the dense wad of matter a pearl when it begins forming in the shell of a mollusk? Is the wobbly colt a powerful stallion when he is first born? Is the fastidious housekeeper from Bethany the matured Martha when we first meet her?
The two of them, sisters Mary and Martha, lived in a friendly house by the side of the road with their brother Lazarus. Jesus knew the house well, for it was a sure retreat for Him. The latch-string of Mary and Martha’s house was always out, and their table was always set for passers-by. Martha saw to that! She had a careful, methodical mind and a troubled heart. Things (like latch-strings and tables) worried her. She had a temper; she lost it that day when Jesus came to have supper at her house and her sister Mary sat at His feet, doing nothing, while she prepared the meal. Instead of gently entreating her sister to help during the rush hour, Martha impulsively turned and queried, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.”
The Master’s response was one of rebuke: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
We err when we remember only Martha’s overzealous housekeeping, her articulate serving, her troubled heart, her short-fused temper. Remember also the rejuvenated Martha who accepted Jesus’ rebuke that day, and ceased forever to be overanxious about things. Recall that when Lazarus died and Jesus returned to Bethany, it was Martha who ran down the road to meet Him, to confess her love and faith, while Mary “sat still in the house,” crushed. Remember also that when Mary anointed the Master’s feet at another banquet, Martha did not complain. By this time she herself had chosen the better part, which would never be taken from her!
Is any of us all that he could be? Like Martha, are you too “careful and troubled about many things?” May we graciously “grow in grace” as we learn from Martha that “better part,” which enduringly comes from knowing Jesus intimately. Let’s all be maturing Marthas!
March/April 1979
