Martha
18 Jan 2022Little Devotionals (Ann)
“Women of the Bible” series by Ann Little
In the 1970’s and 80’s when I was in seminary, Christian feminist books began appearing on our book shelves. I remember one controversial book "All We're Meant to Be," as one of the first to break into the conservative Christian world. My favorite chapter in the book was about how Jesus treated women in the stories in the New Testament. It was an eye opener for me. As a result, I love studying the stories of women in the Bible. Over the next months, I would like to focus on one woman each month.
Martha has taken so much criticism from preachers and Bible teachers for her fretful attention to her household responsibilities. "Be a Mary, not a Martha," they say. But I would like to defend her.
In the 1970’s and 80’s when I was in seminary, Christian feminist books began appearing on our book shelves. I remember one controversial book "All We're Meant to Be," as one of the first to break into the conservative Christian world. My favorite chapter in the book was about how Jesus treated women in the stories in the New Testament. It was an eye opener for me. As a result, I love studying the stories of women in the Bible. Over the next months, I would like to focus on one woman each month.
Martha has taken so much criticism from preachers and Bible teachers for her fretful attention to her household responsibilities. "Be a Mary, not a Martha," they say. But I would like to defend her.
Martha had the gift of hospitality.
***** (continued)
In Luke 10:38 "Martha welcomed Jesus into HER home”—and I might add, 12 disciples with big appetites. It was not Lazarus' home, or Mary's home, but Martha's home. And what does a good obedient Jewish woman do? She serves them. While little sister Mary wiles away the time listening to Jesus with the men, she is in the kitchen preparing food for at least 14-15 people. Jesus attracted a crowd, so possibly there were many more hoping to be included in the food count.
So I can understand Martha's frustration when she approached Jesus with the words, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” (Lk. 10:40)
But I think she was surprised to hear Jesus’ words: "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Lk. 10:41-42) What has Mary discovered?
Scripture does not tell us what happens next. But considering Martha's statement of faith to Jesus in John 11:27 (much like Peter's statement in Matthew 16:16) I think she sat down and enjoyed learning at the feet of the greatest Rabbi ever.
Maybe the disciples even helped with the dishes later. (smile)
In Luke 10:38 "Martha welcomed Jesus into HER home”—and I might add, 12 disciples with big appetites. It was not Lazarus' home, or Mary's home, but Martha's home. And what does a good obedient Jewish woman do? She serves them. While little sister Mary wiles away the time listening to Jesus with the men, she is in the kitchen preparing food for at least 14-15 people. Jesus attracted a crowd, so possibly there were many more hoping to be included in the food count.
So I can understand Martha's frustration when she approached Jesus with the words, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” (Lk. 10:40)
But I think she was surprised to hear Jesus’ words: "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Lk. 10:41-42) What has Mary discovered?
Schooling at the feet of a Jewish Rabbi was a privilege for only Jewish men, but Jesus welcomed Mary to join the disciples. (Wow!)
Scripture does not tell us what happens next. But considering Martha's statement of faith to Jesus in John 11:27 (much like Peter's statement in Matthew 16:16) I think she sat down and enjoyed learning at the feet of the greatest Rabbi ever.
Maybe the disciples even helped with the dishes later. (smile)