As a pastor’s daughter, I grew up hearing a lot of stories from the Bible.
Imagine that, lol.
One story I remember well is the story of the sisters, Martha and Mary.
Basically, Jesus is on the road telling people about the incomprehensible love of His Father, raising people from the dead, casting out demons, you know – saving the world. It’s casual.
During his travels, Jesus stops by Mary and Martha’s place to grab a bite.
No pressure, Mary and Martha.
How does one prepare for the Son of God to come visit your home?
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Our sweet sister Mary is fixated on Jesus from the moment He walks in the door. She hangs on His every word because she recognizes the weight of these moments with him. The reality and gravity of having her Savior right in front of her.
Martha, as the scripture quotes “was distracted by her many tasks.” I mean, can you blame the girl? It’s Jesus, y’all.
Like THE Jesus. The Savior of all of humanity in her home.
Can’t you just picture Martha? Running around in the kitchen, slaving to prepare the perfect meal. Sprinting to put the dogs away. Having Alexa play the perfect background playlist… Probably some Ed Sheeran vibes. Nothing too crazy.
In the midst of all of this, she looks over and sees her sister Mary. Just sitting there…
She probably sees Mary laughing and enjoying the company of Jesus. She probably sees Jesus enjoying Mary. Let’s be real, they probably took a selfie together and captioned it: “Chilling with God. NBD.” Ha!
Y’all Mary is living her best life right now – and Martha knows it.
Martha also knows how Mary. Isn’t. Helping. Her.
Finally after long enough, Martha runs out of patience. She marches over to Jesus and says, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
Bold woman.
To which Jesus responds, “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.” (Luke 10:40-41)
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This is usually the part when we hear commentary on how wrong Martha was for running around the house, not sitting at Jesus’ feet like her sister.
This is usually the part when we read Jesus’ words to Martha in a shameful tone…
But y’all, when I read this story, the undeniable, cold, hard truth hits me in the face– I AM MARTHA.
Can you relate?
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How many times are we so distracted by what we do for God, that we miss out on who God is?
How many times are we so busy with to-do lists, get frustrated, and then ask, “Lord, don’t you care? Hellllloooo, I could use a little help here.”
How many times do we try to earn God’s approval by “hustling” hard, only to end up spending less time with Him.
Y’all, how many times do we look at someone else living their best life and get frustrated that we are not experiencing the same kind of euphoric joy?
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Looking back at the story, we know Martha wasn’t quiet in the kitchen – with all of those pots and pans. Jesus could look over at any moment and see how hard she was working.
How hard she was working to make Him happy.
Jesus also could see Martha’s frustration at Mary. He saw her comparing herself to her sister.
Y’all, Martha was so busy looking at Mary, while Mary was so busy looking at Jesus.
And by the time she came over in anxiety, I think Jesus’ heart was broken.
I think His heart was broken because he saw how hard Martha was trying to make Him happy – when in reality, Jesus knew the true joy Mary was experiencing without lifting a finger.
The joy Martha could have also experienced.
The joy we all have access to because of His love for us.
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The freedom Mary was experiencing by simply sitting in His presence.
Jesus wanted Martha to know she was allowed to breathe.
In fact, breathing, slowing down, and sitting at His feet were all actually the right choice. Sitting in his presence was actually the one thing that was necessary.
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The scriptures end after Jesus’ response to Martha, but I can’t help but wonder how Martha responded back.
Was she still so overcome by her anxiety that she ran back into the kitchen and continued working, now frustrated with Jesus too?
OR did she pause and look deeply into Jesus’ eyes, hear the calming peace in His voice, and decide, “He’s right,” choosing to slowly sit down and drink in the same freedom as Mary.
Freedom that would not be taken from her, I might add.
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I am Martha, but today I choose to breathe. I choose to sit. I choose to rest with my Savior.
What about you?
Today, wherever you are, beautiful soul – take a moment to slow down and breathe. Recognizing your Savior is sitting in your living room (or car, or office, wherever you are right now), waiting for you.
He’s near. He’s close. He’s God and He’s inviting us to sit.
To slow down.
To breathe.
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This story resonated with my soul. For I too am more a Martha. I always used to feel so guilty but I realize more and more that God made me the way I am AND I too can move in His grace. Like you said , I can choose to breathe, to rest at His feet.