Choices

Introduction

I am into the third generation of life. I have noticed one thing. Put men and women together in a house and they will separate. We have learned that women are to be together and men are to be together. I have also observed that many times the women gather in the kitchen and the men gather in another room or outside. This speaks about the social roles that men and women have in our culture. The exception is when “grilling” or “cooking out” is going on. Then the men gather around the grill and all take a turn checking the meat and passing judgment on the quality of the grillmaster. Men can be cruel at times.

It is interesting to watch. Tucked away in the last few verses of Luke 10 is a story that can pique our interest. Let’s set up the context. Beginning in Luke 9:18, Luke shifts his focus from the ministry of Jesus exclusively to the ministry of Jesus leading up to his death and resurrection. Luke prepares us for this crucifixion in a number of ways.

We have Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus tells what is going to happen in Jerusalem. We have the transfiguration and another warning that the end is drawing near. We have two stories in which there are others who are working in the name of Jesus and the Samaritans refuse to help Jesus. The disciples respond to both events with contempt. Jesus corrects their reaction by reminding them that following him demands much. To illustrate the demands of following him, Jesus sends out the disciples to preach and heal. Luke inserts three events unrelated by chronology to make the point that following Jesus is open to all.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan demonstrates that one who James and John wanted to kill for refusing to feed them has a heart set on being a neighbor more than those who claim they are connected to God by birth and law. The first part of chapter 11, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray and he uses an intimacy that demonstrates how open God is to his children.

In between the parable and the instructions about prayer is the short recounting of Martha and Mary. In this case there are two thoughts. First, like a Samaritan God is open to all. Second, we can get distracted from being with God and focus on the things which are immediate. God wants to be in relationship with you. Let’s learn that today.

The Story

Jesus enters into the house of Martha to enjoy a meal. Jesus enjoyed the hospitality of many throughout his ministry. Luke tells us that Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to him. This phrase “sit at his feet” speaks of a disciple. Mary takes the role of the disciple listening from the teacher. She is trying to absorb every word. This would have been unusual in Jesus’ day. The more common role for women is what we see Martha doing—getting the meal ready. But Luke reveals for us how much Jesus appeals and accepts all.

Luke tells us that Martha is distracted by all the preparations. Martha is mentally pushed by other things. To use this word suggests that Martha is missing something. Things are happening that should capture her attention but instead she is distracted. Lots of distractions in our world.

Watch the eight year old play soccer or baseball. The floating butterfly distracts. The person who texts while driving is distracted (or adjusting the radio, or putting on makeup, or reading the newspaper). The computer at work can distract as well as assist as employees get interested in emails and Facebook. The TV distracts while a family has dinner. Distraction means something else more significant is getting lost.

Martha in her distraction asks Jesus for help. Isn’t it interesting that Martha asks Jesus and doesn’t speak to her sister directly? We do that sometimes. The question is asked in such a way that she anticipates a “yes” answer. Martha is busy getting the meal ready. She is doing something; Mary is doing nothing. She wants Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help with the rest of the preparations. The question shows Martha’s irritation. She feels abandoned. Someone has to prepare this meal! Food isn’t going to prepare itself. I need some help in the kitchen. I’m busy. Mary left me to do all this work myself.

Jesus’ response shows emotion. The repeating of Martha’s name reveals Jesus’ emotions and you can hear the soothing voice. You are anxious and troubled. You are so upset. But your sister has chosen wisely. She has chosen the better portion; the better part. The word used reminds us of Psalm 119:57 in which the psalmist says that “You are my portion, O Lord” followed with the promise to obey God alone. That which Mary has chosen cannot be taken from her. Food is temporary. The teaching leads to eternal life. Food sustains for now. Jesus sustains forever.

Application

Anxiety and trouble lead to distractions or is it distractions lead to anxiety and trouble. You can see Martha. Things have to be just right. She wants to be hospitable. She wants things to show that she cares. Mary was helping her before Jesus showed up. Now she is left alone to finish the preparation. Was she anxious before Jesus showed up? Probably. But her troubled spirit increased once she was alone and once she saw Mary listening to Jesus. And in her anxiety and troubled spirit she speaks to Jesus. I intentionally glossed over the part that needs our focus.

Jesus, don’t you care that my sister has left me? Jesus, don’t you care about me and my situation? Don’t you care that I am in here working by myself? Don’t you care that I am trying to be hospitable? I believe Jesus’ response speaks to his depth of caring. “Martha, Martha, you are so anxious and troubled.” Our anxiety keeps us from seeing things clearly. Our anxiety darkens our mood so that we lose sight of what is really important.

Jesus isn’t saying food is unimportant. He isn’t saying that Martha should leave the cooking and come in and sit down. Jesus is not minimizing what Martha is doing. Jesus is calling Martha to take a clear look at what really matters. Martha is upset. She is focused on what has become an inconvenience. She sees only that she has been mistreated. And Jesus reminds her that he is there. Mary’s learning from him speaks of what is important. Martha can continue to prepare the meal and she could do it with a better attitude. She is serving the Master.

Like Martha we become anxious and troubled over many things. Bills must be paid. The kids are pushing our buttons. School is demanding. Relationships are challenging. Work saps our energy. And we cry out “Jesus, don’t you care?” And Jesus says with great tenderness, “You are anxious and troubled about so many things. Don’t forget I cannot ever be taken from you.” And we go back to work, to school, to relationships, to our kids and see a bit more clearly what really matters. How? Sit at the feet of Jesus. Learn from him. Listen to him. Align your life with him.

Follow Jesus

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