The great difference between Martha and Mary

Martha, Mary and Lazarus were brothers and sisters, and they believed in the Lord Jesus. They always received Him in their home together with His disciples and offered them hospitality. We can then say that they were people who were members of the church, and were intimate friends of the Lord Jesus; and He loved them.

There is a lot of talk about Martha and Mary, and there really was a big difference between them. What caught my attention between the sisters was that Martha was always worried about doing many things, while Mary was always at Jesus' feet. In the hectic world we live in today, this can teach us a lot. Perhaps today you will find out that you have been more Martha than Mary, even believing in the Lord Jesus.

But what was the secret of Mary that led her to receive praise from the Lord Jesus? What was she doing so special?

·      To listen and learn His teachings Mary was at the feet of Jesus:

“She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching.” Luke 10.39

·       In moments of pain and suffering, Mary threw herself at the feet of Jesus:

“When Mary came to where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11.32

·      Mary went to Jesus' feet to worship Him:

“Then Mary took a pint of very costly ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment." John 12:3

Both were from the church, but one called Jesus' attention for her dedication, for always placing Him first, for knowing how to establish priorities. We must understand that God has more interest in us than in our service. Many of us worry about doing many things in the work of God. We want to be busy, we want to feel useful, and we think it will only happen if we work hard, perform many tasks or have many responsibilities.

Many even boast about how many responsibilities they have, their gigantic to-do list. But because they do not have communion with God, what they do for love ends up being a burden and they are always irritated, agitated and murmuring. Doing much is not a synonymous of spirituality.

But what really matters and will make a difference in our lives is the time we spent at Jesus' feet; the moments we spend alone with Him, whether to hear His voice, to seek comfort in difficult times, or to worship Him.

That was the big difference between the two sisters, while one wanted to DO a lot the other wanted for BE much. While one was distracted and occupied with many things, the other had fellowship with God. Many believe in the Lord Jesus, but not all have life with God, not all have this intimacy with their Lord, and that is what He most appreciates in us.

There is no use going to church and believing in God if there is no such approach to the Lord. How about you, have you been a Martha or a Mary?