dead wrong or all right?
"Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to Him and said, 'Lord...' " —Luke 10:40
Martha questioned whether Jesus was concerned about her situation (Lk 10:40). She also felt "all alone" (Lk 10:40). Next, she felt compelled to order Jesus to order Mary to help her (Lk 10:40). Martha was wrong on all counts. Jesus did care about every aspect of her life. He loved her very much (Jn 11:5) and would give His life for her. Secondly, although Martha did not have the kitchen help she wanted, she had Jesus Who is God and Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16) as her dinner Guest. This is hardly being "all alone." Finally, when Martha gave an order to her Lord, she contradicted the very meaning of the word, "Lord."
Why was Martha so wrong about the Lord and His love? Unlike her sister Mary, she had not "seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to His words" (Lk 10:39). When we do the disciplines of a disciple, when we listen, pray, and obey, we will know God cares, that we are not alone, and that He alone is Lord. Therefore, sit at His feet and listen to His words.
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to prove me wrong (Jn 16:8).
Promise: "One thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." —Lk 10:42
Praise: "Jesus loved Martha...very much" (Jn 11:5).
Reference: (Become a disciple. For a related teaching, order our tapes on Making Disciples in a Culture of Death on audio AV 97-1, AV 97-3 or video V-97.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001