Normal is the Enemy of Exceptional

At the Home of Martha and Mary

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^f]">[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

When I put myself in Marthas shoes, I wonder if I would have even invited Jesus to my house. Being a single woman, in that culture, you were less than a person. Without a husband you weren't noteworthy. I would have feared the repercussions that would inevitably ensue after the offer was made known public.

Back then there was no notice if someone popped in. No email, phone, texting, just a stranger showing up in a town and waiting for God to provide a place to rest and eat.

Astonishing really. That Jesus chose a woman to host him and his disciples.

Now we usually have plenty of notice when someone significant is showing up at our door. The notice given usually inspires anxiety, and a heavier workload because no one wants to give a bad impression. I know for myself when someone is coming to my home I tend to notice the dirt at an entirely microscopic level, and areas in my home that require extra attention. I am a neat person naturally, and organization fills my heart with song, but I am no way perfect, and that becomes evident when company's pending. I'm sure no one would even notice the bits in between the creases of the wood floor, or couch, or the finger prints up the stairs on the wall....

...but you can never be too certain they won't.

Now Martha at that time was doing what every good hostess would. There were quite a few extra mouths to feed, and she was overwhelmed with the work making bread for them all by herself, so asking Jesus to correct Mary and send her to help which would have been a normal request. Martha was probably a bit perturbed by Mary and her lack of interest in making sure their guests were taken care of.

But she was most disturbed because it was completely inappropriate for Mary to be sitting at the feet of Jesus to begin with.

^{Paul writes:}

^{Acts 22:3} “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.

Only men were allowed to sit at a teachers feet.

Women were strictly forbidden from learning the Torah. They were able to learn from their Fathers in their home, or their husbands and only if the men chose to teach them in secret. The fact that Jesus responded the way he did gives a HUGE MARKER to the counter cultural changes he brought with him. Jesus lovingly corrected Martha, and in so doing made it clear that God is the one in control, and that having a individual personal relationship with Him through Christ IS all that matters.

Better is the enemy of Best.

What Mary was doing was better than Martha. Once called, once converted, the cultural norm is replaced. What I think is normal isn't Gods normal. I bring to the table my own view on things, and they are moot because they will naturally go against the work of Christ. Thank the Lord He is working on me continually!

The story of the Good Samaritan---is what we need to DO

The story of Mary and Martha---is what we need NOT DO

When I wake up in the morning, not too happily of course, I repent of my attitude (most mornings) and check myself and what my motives are for what needs to be accomplished in the day God graciously gave me. I must do this every morning. It only takes 1 day for me to fall completely off the wagon if I rely on my own strength.

Who is behind my motives?

Martha was distracted by the work and didn't understand the treasure in sitting at GODS FEET and receiving Jesus's teaching, thinking she has to get stuff done first.

How many times have I put off my personal devotions, or church or prayer meeting because there's something else that must be done? There is an enemy within me, my own sin nature, that can cause me to do my best, but biblically there is always better:

1. God is making me move forward in my walk with him.
   
2. God is guiding and directing my every step, and is patient with me when I, like a spoiled child, try to wrench the compass from His loving hands.

Listening to Jesus is the highest way of honouring God.

Who would you rather be?

A Martha.

Or

A Mary.