She welcomed Him when others tested Him. She set a table for Him while others sought to set a trap for Him. She was ready to minister to Him, but as the Master was so often wont to do, at the end of the day, He had come to minister to her. She was ready to set before Him a menu of many things, but He had come to teach her the one thing necessary.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:38-42 ESV)

A lot of good things happening in the sisters’ home that day. But one thing was necessary.

Love these ladies. So did Jesus.

I can only imagine the hustle and bustle as Martha was busy getting things ready, and making things just right for the Teacher. Hospitality with a capital “H” — that was Martha’s deal. She knew how to make someone feel welcome. She knew how to honor an honored guest. Prepare the fatted calf. Break out the fine china. Prepare a table fit for a king.

But Mary, she sat at the King’s feet. Not often you get front row tickets to hear from the Author of Life. Sure, there was lots she could do to help her sister, but she chose, instead, to listen to her Lord. Rather than be distracted by Martha’s preparations, she was captivated by Jesus’ presence. Rather than busy herself with the many things she could do, she quieted herself, attending to the one thing she should do. For while she could be anxious and troubled about many things, one thing was necessary. And Mary had chosen the right thing.

Like I said, love these ladies. I’m a big Martha fan. Bold, courageous, no nonsense. Ready, willing, and able to serve for the sake of the Savior. Practical, pragmatic, knows what it takes to get ‘er done. I think I get her, at least to some degree.

But Mary, she challenges me. Be still my soul. Be still and know that He is God. Find your way to the feet of the Master. Set aside all the good things which can distract and choose, instead — at least for a little while — the one thing necessary.

Quieted. By His grace.

Listening. For His glory.

(An old Gaither song came to mind. Got a few more minutes to sit at the Savior’s feet before getting busy with your day? Check it out by clicking here).