"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.”. (NIV) John 11: 20
John 11: 1- 2 mentions that, Lazarus- the man whom Jesus raised from the dead, had two sisters Mary and Martha who loved Jesus and Jesus loved them as well. The bible accounts that this is one family in Bethany that Jesus loved to visit. It was not a surprise therefore to have a dinner made by this family in honor of this great man (John 12:2).
We learnt each time Jesus visited, Mary and Martha served the Lord in diver’s ways. Martha will always be cooking and taking care of the disciples’ whiles Mary sits at the feet of the Lord to listen to his word. In spite of all their differences Jesus loved them both because each had a part to play in His kingdom.
Now this is what I want to highlight: although Jesus admired Mary’s attitude to his word, He never condemn Martha’s zeal to serve and work actively for Him. These two characters are what we see in the Christendom. We have the Mary’s whose daily message of God’s presence in their lives encourages the weak and gives them hope of a better future as against the Martha’s complaining attitude which can be discouraging to all especially newly born believers.
Not denying the importance of Martha’s outstanding works in the body of Christ, Christ makes us understand the value of taking time to be Mary’s in His kingdom. When we focus on our audacious dreams for the Lord without considering what God expects from us, we will end up complaining like Martha did.
Beloved, decide to be a Mary today because there is more blessing in that. All the same, never discourage someone who is gifted to being a Martha. She is equally important to Christ.
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