“‘You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”
Luke 10:41-42
The profile of a hiker encompasses people from all walks of life. But at opposite ends of the spectrum lie two types: the hiker who is ultra-prepared and for whom every circumstance has been agonized over, and the hiker who is there simply to enjoy nature and who needs little more than the beauty of the trail. In much of life, people fall into these two categories, too.
So did Mary and Martha, it seems. In this well-known passage about Jesus’ visit with the two sisters, Mary is often presented as having the contemplative life (sitting at Jesus’ feet) while Martha is seen as the woman of action (serving others).
Jesus tells us that the most important thing is, in fact, to be connected to and fed by Him. John 15 highlights this in the analogy of believers being a vine that produces fruit only when connected to the branch (which is Jesus). But a life of discipleship is necessarily action-oriented as well. As an outworking of our relationship with Jesus, we serve God and others, walk with Him, and point others to Him.
So did Mary and Martha, it seems. In this well-known passage about Jesus’ visit with the two sisters, Mary is often presented as having the contemplative life (sitting at Jesus’ feet) while Martha is seen as the woman of action (serving others).
Jesus tells us that the most important thing is, in fact, to be connected to and fed by Him. John 15 highlights this in the analogy of believers being a vine that produces fruit only when connected to the branch (which is Jesus). But a life of discipleship is necessarily action-oriented as well. As an outworking of our relationship with Jesus, we serve God and others, walk with Him, and point others to Him.
Scripture Focus
Luke 10:38-42
Insight
Whether we seem to be the more laid-back type or the more action-oriented type, what we all need is one thing: Jesus.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 23-24
- Psalm 19
- Matthew 26
