From Martha to Mary
Updated: Jan 25, 2023
How many of you know the story about the two sisters Mary and Martha from Bethany?
Often times I hear people compare themselves to these sisters as they seem to relate to one more than the other.
Check out a brief description of these two sisters!
Martha - A Dedicated Servant
She lived with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1)
She welcomed Jesus into her home (Luke 10:38)
She was a faithful disciple (Luke 10:39)
She gave a great confession of faith at the tome of Lazarus (John 11:21-27)
She complained about Mary's lack of help as she worked to prepare for a dinner (Luke 10:38-42)
She served Jesus at a dinner in Bethany, where her sister Mary anointed Jesus with oil (John 12:1-2)
Martha was a spiritually-minded woman with a servant's heart - two qualities that are not mutually exclusive
Mary - A Single-minded Disciple
She lived with her sister Martha and her brother Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1)
She regularly welcomed Jesus into their home (Luke 10:38)
She was a faithful disciple of Jesus (Luke 10:39)
She saw Lazarus raised to life after being dead for four days (John 11:28-44)
She lovingly anointed Jesus' feet with fragrant oil at a dinner in Bethany (John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13)
She was commended by Jesus for the right choice of sitting at His feet and listening to Him (Luke 10:38-42)
Jesus commended Mary twice for her single-minded devotion to Him
So, who am I?
I can honestly say I relate to Martha the most, but what I feel God calling me to be is Mary. This has been a BIG lesson for me as it has not been easy for me to sit still. But I know in the deepest parts of my heart that is exactly what God is asking me to do. He wants me to make Him my #1 priority above all else, even though getting things done can be productive, it's not beneficial if I am not spending time with the Lord.
Luke 10:41-42 HCSB
The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her."
Who is God calling you to be?
If you are unsure, let me encourage you to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to reveal this to you! You'll be amazed how He speaks directly to your heart, and you will know without a doubt what He wants you to do next. I hope you'll share the message you received.
James 1:19-20 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
* * *
James 1:22 NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
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