Two Women

Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day. So, I thought it fitting and proper to highlight two special women from the Bible. Their names? Mary and Martha.

So here, the just of the story. Martha was the busy one, doing all the preparations to serve up Jesus a good, hot meal. Martha was also supremely ticked that Mary was just hanging out, sitting at Jesus’ feet. In fact, Martha was so irate that she complained to Jesus that Mary wasn’t pulling her fair weight in the afternoon preparations! Martha was not happy when Jesus said to her “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many other things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha gets such a bad rap in this passage of scripture. To be sure, so many of us women are focused, driven and busy women. That’s actually how God wired many of us. But I love the confidence Martha had in going to Jesus and just sharing her frustration directly! She told Jesus exactly what she thought and she knew Jesus would hear her out.

Are you and I free to share our complaints with Jesus? Or do we just hold Jesus at bay, concluding He’s not for us?

Jesus responded to Martha. He didn’t shame her or make her feel guilty or put her down. He told her only one thing is needed right that moment. Focus on what’s most important now. Mary was focusing on Jesus and that was good.

The summary question from this passage is not: Which one are you, Mary or Martha? The question to be asked instead is: Will you seek Jesus throughout your day and throughout your life? I can be super busy in a task and still be devoted to Jesus. You can too! It’s a choice! So, whether we’re busy or not busy, our goal is to seek Jesus. Invite Him to partner with you throughout the day. Be in relationship with Him in the busyness and the calm times. When we do, He will take care of the rest.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

 Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.