In Luke 10:38-42 we find the account of Jesus visiting with His two friends Mary and Martha. Martha spends all her time distracted by getting everything ready for Jesus and His followers. Mary, on the other hand, is sitting at Jesus feet listening to His teaching. Before long Martha expresses her frustrations to Jesus. In verse 40 she says; “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answer helps us understand the benefits of spending regular time at His feet.
Please consider the following four truths:
1. SERVING IS NOT WRONG. Jesus’ whole ministry on earth was serving others. However, He spent a great deal of time alone with His Father. He teaches us that if we don’t, we will end up doing everything in our strength.
2. WE NEED TO HEAR FROM GOD FIRST. If we prioritise the Word of God in our lives we will joyfully serve Him. Martha was so distracted by serving, she lost sight of who she was serving, and it became a burden. If she spent time at Jesus’ feet first, her serving would have been a joy. “We need to have a Mary heart in a Martha world.” (Joanna Weaver)
3. IT SHOWS WE KNOW WHO HE IS. Being at a person’s feet is very significant. Many people spent time at Jesus feet while He ministered on earth, a synagogue leader with a sick daughter, a women healed by touching Jesus, a mother with a demon possessed daughter, a demon, a healed leper. Being at the feet of Jesus is an act of worship and giving Him the same honour reserved for God. It is declaring Jesus is God and worthy of our worship. Mary was not lazy, she recognised who Jesus is and put Him first. Martha did recognise Jesus later, when she declared; “Yes, Lord, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (John 11:27)
4. IT SHOWS WE TRUST HIM. When Mary was at Jesus’ feet she showed a sense of quiet trust. She rested in Jesus’ presence and did not worry about all the things that had to be done. Mary was so focused on all the work and so irritated with Mary she took her anger out on Jesus – the One who came to spend time with her. The fact is, even if Mary was helping her, she would still be worried and stressed.