A big dinner was planned and she certainly wanted to impress. Perhaps, she intended it to be a formal occasion for her guests – especially the special guest – that would so impress them that compliments would be showered on her. It could be worth all the fuss and hard work in the kitchen. The name of the woman in this event was Martha. Her special guest was Jesus. The Bible describes the dinner event in these words:
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to
to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.
Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But
Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to
Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ (Luke10:38-40, NLT)
Martha was too focused on the dinner and not enough attention to her guests, especially Jesus. Yes, dinner was needed because the guests were surely hungry. But, she worried over so many details because she made the dinner to seem more important than connecting with Jesus. She was stressing our and getting upset with her sister, Mary. She wanted Mary to help her since, in Martha’s view, her sister seemed to be sitting there doing nothing.
It reminds me of the growing troubles in our world’s financial system as I write. News overload and mounting stress over economic and financial details are distracting many of us from the most important thing of all!
Worship comes before work and relationship building precedes a program.
Jesus answers Martha:
My dear Martha, you are so upset over these details! There is really only
one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I
won’t take it away from her. (Luke 10: 41-42, NLT)
Martha would have experienced less stress and more peace and confidence if she had first taken a little time with Jesus. It is certain that Martha should have recognized that a modest meal made with love is better than an elaborate feast made in stress and worry.
As you cook in the kitchen or follow your investments in the world , don’t panic over the details – worship Jesus first and trust completely in the Lord to make your smallest work count for God – honoring God and connecting with people in need.
Let’s not be caught up in “kitchen stress” because the signs in the world remind us that Jesus, our Savior is coming again – soon. (Luke 21:27, 34-35)
