In Luke 10:38–42, we meet Martha, busy with hosting duties, and Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet to listen. Martha deserves credit for welcoming Jesus, but she becomes so focused on her tasks that she misses the greater gift—being present with Him. While our work and responsibilities matter, Jesus reminds us that time with Him is the “better part.” Some of us naturally lean toward Mary, others toward Martha, but both are needed. The key is balance: Marthas must slow down to hear Jesus, and Marys must remember to serve as well. Ultimately, our greatest calling is to sit at Jesus’ feet, because everything else flows from His presence.

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Good morning! It’s good to be with you as we continue in Luke. I hope you’re doing well and that your week is off to a great start. Yesterday we looked at one of Jesus’ most beloved parables—the Good Samaritan. Today we turn to another well-known story, one that always stirs up conversation: Mary and Martha.

Let’s read Luke 10:38–42:

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Okay—before we dive into Jesus’ words here, I want to give a little defense of Martha. Because I like Martha. Martha’s busy, yes, but let’s not forget she’s the one who welcomed Jesus into her home. In that culture, hospitality was a big deal. You didn’t just plop your guest in a recliner, hand them the remote, and say, “Game’s on—snacks in the kitchen.” Hosting was work, and it was an honor. So Martha had a lot to do.

She probably had her own to-do list going—and if she’s anything like me, she took joy in checking things off. (In fact, I’m checking off “Rooted” on my to-do list right now as we speak.) Somebody had to get lunch ready. Without Martha, nobody’s eating. So we shouldn’t throw her under the bus—if anything, maybe she wouldn’t have been so stressed if the rest of us helped her out a little more.

But here’s the problem: Martha got so focused on her tasks that she missed the fact that Jesus was right there. As important as lunch is, being in the presence of Jesus is more important. Missing a meal matters; missing the Messiah matters more.

Now, some of us naturally lean toward Mary—happy to sit and listen. Others of us are more like Martha—always moving, always working. Honestly, I’m a Martha in a lot of ways. Spiritually too, sometimes. Because if I slow down and really sit at Jesus’ feet, well…Jesus might get in my business. He might ask me questions I don’t want to answer. He might push me in ways I don’t want to be pushed. And that can be uncomfortable.

But it’s necessary. Because no matter how long our to-do list is—and trust me, I keep my calendar open on my monitor all day reminding me how far behind I am—the most important thing isn’t clearing the list. It’s hearing from Jesus.

I think of that old quote attributed to Martin Luther: “I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first two hours in prayer.” Sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. Without time at Jesus’ feet, all our busyness isn’t really fruitful.

So here’s today’s takeaway: Marys, get up and help your sisters out every now and then. Marthas, slow down. Learn to sit at Jesus’ feet. Both are needed, both are valuable, but time with Jesus is the “better part” that will never be taken away.

Thanks for being with us today. Tomorrow we’ll turn to one of the great passages in all of Scripture—the Lord’s Prayer. See you in the morning.