Many people have hectic schedules with very little leisure time. It is a badge of honor to talk about how busy we are. In our culture, if you are not super busy than you are not working hard enough. If you look at the want ads, companies require long hours, able to do multiple jobs, and to work under pressure. Many feel burned out and overwhelmed whether they are working at a fortune 500 company, stay at home parent, or a full time student. As Christians, how do we cope and survive in our busy society. In the Bible we read in Luke 10:38-42, the account of Mary and Martha, two sisters, who invited Jesus over to share a meal. Let us follow this interesting account, and see what we can learn about dealing with stress from this interesting text.
First we see Martha’s attitude toward Jesus coming over for a meal. Martha appeared to be the one responsible for providing hospitality in the family. When Jesus comes over Martha makes plans to serve him by preparing a big feast. She beings to prepare this big meal for Jesus and the people who were with him. This was before microwaves and modern ovens. She had to do the cutting, chopping, mixing etc. It was undoubtedly hard work. At some point she began to get overwhelmed with all of the preparations. Not only that, but she did not have anyone to help her. She could have used the help from Mary, but Mary was in the room with Jesus. She was certain that Mary would come in and help her with the food, but Mary never came in and helped her. She then becomes agitated because her sister did not help her. She gets so upset that in verse 40 , Martha blows up at Jesus because he did not tell Mary to help her.
There are many Martha’s in the world and in the church. They serve God by doing many things, but are frustrated, overworked, and overwhelmed. They, like Martha are burned out and feel alone. They are so frustrated, because they have not received any acknowledgement, credit, or sympathy for their work. Instead they have been criticized and not appreciated for their efforts. Many become bitter and stop working for God altogether.
Now let us look at Mary’s attitude. She sat at Jesus feet like a student would sit at a teachers feet or a disciple would sit at his master’s feet. Mary came to hear the Word of Jesus. Her mission was not to help Martha but to hear the Word of God. She did not want to be disturbed. Mary is an example of what we need to do on a daily basis and that is to sit at the feet of Jesus. Sitting at Jesus feet by reading his word, prayer, and meditation revives us and gives us fuel and energy to continue on in this busy world. When we are empty we can go to God and he will fill us. God does not promise that he will remove our problems, but he promises that he will be with us and give us the strength to keep going. In verse 42, Jesus commends Mary for what she did by sitting at Jesus feet. He tells Martha she should have been doing what Mary was doing. She would not have been so agitated if she heard the word of God. Jesus was sharing his words that she needed. Sometimes before we start serving, we need to be served and ministered to. Sitting at the feet of Jesus helps us to serve God and others.