“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Mary and Martha

When I think about preparing a holiday meal, I often think of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. I wonder to myself am I more like Martha, who worked and served, or more like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet absorbing every word He had to say, just wanting to be close to Him. After much reflection, I can honestly say I was much more Martha than Mary, but as the years have passed, I am now a good combination of these two ladies. I love having big family gatherings and enjoy seeing people together enjoying food and conversation.

Many of us have menu planned, shopped, cooked, cleaned house, put out the large platters we only use a couple of times a year, get out the special plates and silverware and yes, even decorate in anticipation of welcoming family and friends. It can be exhausting but so worth it. Making memories.

Jesus is heading to Bethany to the home of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Jesus is a dear friend of theirs and it is a time of excitement and joy to welcome Him into their home for a meal. So, I envision Martha, who has gotten word that Jesus is coming for a visit, getting ready and meal planning. As much work as it is for us to prepare a large meal, let us remember that Martha most likely had to go pick out the best animal and butcher it before she could start preparing the meat. She also was making her own bread and quite possibly harvesting the garden. She did not have a microwave, Instant Pot, or a phone to call a local restaurant to order a to-go meal. It was a lot of work! And let us remember that Jesus did not travel alone, so there would be many to feed.

In the Scripture mentioned, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and continued to serve. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. The Scripture says Martha got “distracted”, or I am thinking a bit irritated that she was doing all the work and her sister was not helping. In Luke 10:42 Jesus tells Martha that her sister Mary has chosen the “good part.” I believe one of the lessons in this short story is that there is a time to serve with joy and a time to simply be still and worship and study God’s Word. It is a balance and we need both, to spend quiet time with the Lord to fill our souls and to serve others in His strength, shining His light for others to see.

Lord, as we prepare for the holidays, however that may look this year, give us quiet time to spend with You and prepare our hearts to serve those we love with joy so we create lasting memories that can be talked and laughed about in the years to come. In Jesus name, Amen.