Choosing What is Better

Jesus said lots about his priorities, perhaps most often he said things like “I have come...to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38) And he said, “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)

I also like the story in Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary and Martha. Martha wants to be the gracious hostess, so she is diligently preparing for Jesus’ comfort and refreshment. Her sister, Mary, on the other hand, was enamored by the wisdom in Jesus’ words; she sat at his feet and listened as he taught. Martha caught a case of “righteous indignation” (also spelled, she was angry and perhaps jealous) because Mary had dropped the duty of a woman of her day and culture, and was learning at the teacher’s feet – a man’s place. It was not a woman’s place to be a rabbi’s disciple, but it was for her to prepare for the men.
When Martha complains to Jesus about Mary, his response must have been totally unexpected. “Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Notice that Jesus didn’t bring this whole thing up; and he didn’t start by criticizing Martha for what she had been doing. And we should realize that what Martha had been doing was important and appreciated. Jesus point is that Mary had chosen to do something better, one of the few things that are most needed: don’t expect him to take that from her. In effect, Jesus says, in this series of events, that it is more important to humbly receive from God than to humbly give to him, to set at his feet rather than to serve at his table.

Finding what is more important or even most important is often counter-cultural. It isn’t easy and will meet with criticism. So it is good to contemplate your list of important things and reevaluate them regularly.