Timeless wisdom from the Martha and Mary Story| A Daily Devotional

Today’s Bible Verse: Luke 10:38-42

Having journeyed from a pastor’s kid to a pastor’s wife, I’ve developed a deep love for hospitality. However, the demands that come with it can often become overwhelming, sometimes leading to the dreaded burnout. It was in the story of Mary and Martha from Luke that I discovered two essential insights that transformed my approach entirely.

1. Inviting Jesus into your life and truly living with Him are two distinct experiences. 
2. Finding peace begins at the feet of Jesus.

This remarkable story of two sisters’ encounter with Jesus unveils profound lessons. While Jesus was traveling, Martha invited Him to stay with her and her sister, Mary. Dedicated to hospitality, Martha immediately set about serving and tending to their guest. However, her frustration grew as she noticed her sister, Mary, was not assisting her at all.

Mary had a different goal in mind. This second sister abandoned all work in exchange for spending time at the feet of Jesus.

Inviting Jesus into your life and truly living with Him are two distinct experiences. 

In verse 38, we see that it was Martha who invited Jesus in, but I was Mary who spent time in his presence.  Unfortunately, Mary missed out on the richness of His presence because she was preoccupied with her tasks.

How often do we fall into the same trap, exchanging meaningful moments for busyness?

We’re not called to be busy, were called to be fruitful.  Busyness results from striving to achieve on our own, while fruitfulness emerges as an overflow of what God is doing within us. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites is to do just that saying, 

“Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

When feeling overwhelmed, we might be taking on burdens that aren’t meant for us.

How can you scale back and create space for Jesus in your life?

Finding peace begins at the feet of Jesus.

While Mary’s words aren’t recorded in the biblical story, her actions speak volumes. Mary, much like Martha, is deeply engaged, but the key difference lies in her focus. Martha is overwhelmed by busyness and frustration, whereas Mary is immersed in her Savior’s presence. I can envision her, tranquil and absorbed, soaking in God’s presence. How peaceful that must have been.

Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. We could all benefit from spending more time at Jesus’ feet, allowing His words to saturate our hearts and minds, simply loving Him for who He is.

The most significant moments we’ll ever experience are those spent at the feet of our Protector. As children of God, it’s easy to lose sight of where our true priorities lie. While checking items off our to-do list offers a sense of accomplishment, our ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ.

Resting in God is a foundational aspect of our faith, yet it’s something we often overlook in our busy lives. Let the story of Martha and Mary serve as a gentle reminder to prioritize what truly matters. Make time to choose the greater thing. Consider the words of David, as a reminder of where our hearts should find rest:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” — Psalms 23:1-3 (CSB)

Journaling Questions:

1. Where is your passion for God’s word? Does it need to be reignited?

2. What occupies most of your thoughts and energy today?

Action Step:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” — Psalms 46:10 (NKJV)

Set a timer for at least 5 minutes. Spend this time in quiet reflection, simply resting in God’s presence and listening for His voice. Afterward, take a moment to journal your thoughts and reflections.