Mary and Martha - Jesus Visits Two Sisters
Mary and Martha: When Jesus Came to Dinner
Introduction
The smell of fresh bread filled the house. A pot of stew simmered over the fire. The table was set with their best dishes—nothing but the finest for their honored Guest.
Martha wiped her brow and glanced into the next room. There sat her sister, Mary, at the feet of Jesus, listening as if the world had stopped spinning.
"Doesn’t she see how much there is to do?" Martha thought, her grip tightening on the serving spoon.
One sister worked. The other worshiped.
And Jesus said something that day that would echo through eternity:
"Martha, Martha… only one thing is needed." (Luke 10:41-42)
This isn’t just a story about two sisters. It’s about us—about the tension between doing and being, serving and sitting, distraction and devotion.
The House in Bethany
Mary and Martha lived in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, with their brother Lazarus. They were close friends of Jesus—their home was His refuge when He needed rest from the crowds.
On this particular day, Jesus arrived with His disciples. Hospitality was sacred in Jewish culture, and Martha took her role seriously. She hurried to prepare food, fluff cushions, and make sure everything was perfect.
Meanwhile, Mary did the unthinkable—she sat at Jesus’ feet like a disciple, ignoring the unserved meal and the unmade beds.
Martha’s Frustration
Martha’s hands were busy, but her heart grew bitter.
"Why am I doing all the work? Doesn’t Mary care?"
Finally, she snapped. Storming into the room where Jesus taught, she blurted out:
"Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40)
The room fell silent.
She expected Jesus to scold Mary.
Instead, He spoke gently—but with piercing truth.
Jesus’ Gentle Rebuke
"Martha, Martha," He said (that repetition meant He saw her deeply). "You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—really only one." (Luke 10:41-42)
Then, the words that must have stung:
"Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha had been preparing the meal—but Mary was feasting on the Bread of Life.
What This Story Teaches Us
1. Service Without Love Becomes Strife
Martha wasn’t wrong to serve—but her resentment poisoned her work. Jesus didn’t condemn her labor; He questioned her heart.
2. Presence Over Performance
God doesn’t need our perfect hospitality. He wants us. Mary understood that sitting at His feet was the greatest honor.
3. The "One Thing" That Matters
Jesus didn’t say Martha’s work was pointless—just that one thing was most important: Him. Everything else flows from that.
4. Both Sisters Were Loved
Later, when Lazarus died, Jesus wept with both sisters (John 11). He didn’t favor one over the other—He met them where they were.
The Rest of the Story
This wasn’t the end for Martha. Later, when Lazarus died, she ran to Jesus with raw faith: "If You had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know even now God will give You whatever You ask." (John 11:21-22)
Her theology was still growing—but her trust was real.
And Mary? She later anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, preparing Him for burial (John 12:1-8). Her worship wasn’t a one-time moment—it was her life.
Which Sister Are You?
Most of us are Marthas—
Stressed by our to-do lists.
Resenting others who aren’t "pulling their weight."
Serving God while secretly wanting applause.
Or we’re Marys—
Drawn to worship but criticized for "not doing enough."
Struggling to balance devotion with duty.
But here’s the good news: Jesus receives both.
He just reminds us: "Don’t let the work distract you from the why."
A Table Set for Two Kinds of Worship
Imagine if Martha had joined Mary first—then together, they cooked the meal.
Imagine if Mary had helped Martha later—after filling her soul.
That’s the balance Jesus invites us into:
Sitting before serving.
Being before doing.
Loving Him first—then loving others from that overflow.
Conclusion: The Meal That Really Matters
Martha’s food that day was eaten and forgotten.
But Mary’s choice—to feast on Jesus’ words—lasted forever.
What’s on your plate today?
The urgency of tasks?
Or the eternity of His presence?
Jesus isn’t scolding your work. He’s inviting you to remember why you’re doing it.
Reflection Questions:
When have you, like Martha, resented others’ worship while you worked?
What’s your "one thing"—the non-negotiable time with Jesus?
How can you balance Mary’s heart with Martha’s hands this week?
Final Thought:
"Busyness worships productivity. Devotion worships Jesus. Only one sustains the soul."