Are you a Martha or a Mary?
Martha and Mary, along with their brother Lazarus, are among the circle of friends who supported Jesus during his ministry. Jesus clearly enjoys their company and their hospitality. This is highlighted in Luke 10:38-42 and forms the background to the longer story of the raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-44.
The brief scene in Luke's Gospel comes straight after the parable of the Good Samaritan and offers some interesting insights into discipleship. While the focus in the parable is on compassionate action, here it is on the importance of listening and reflection. Mary's position, sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to his teaching, is that of a disciple. While we may regard this as something fairly normal it was quite radical for a woman to adopt this role in the first century (why?).
The following exercise invites you - either as an individual or as a group - to prayerfully enter the scene from Martha's perspective. You may like to download the attached sheet and print it off. You will also need a bowl with some smooth stones in it.
Imagine that you are Martha. You are following a centuries old Middle Eastern custom of offering hospitality to guests, in this case Jesus and his band of disciples. There is much to do - water to be fetched to wash dusty feed, food to prepare and a space to entertain your guests.
Where's my sister, Mary? ... There she is, sitting at Jesus' feet like one of the disciples, hanging on his every word! Doesn't she know that her place is in the background, serving? She should be working alongside me...
"I'm so sorry to interrupt your teaching, Rabbi Jesus, but don't you see that I'm having to do all the work by myself back here? Please tell Mary to come and help!"
- At times we behave like Mary and at other times we're more like Martha. Why do we need aspects of both Mary and Martha in our character?
- Martha is focused on the immediate demands and responsibilities of being the host and so is distracted and worried. What everyday distractions take you away from spending time with Jesus?
- Jesus commends Mary for sitting and listening to him. This is the better part Mary has chosen - hearing the words of Jesus. Pick up a small handful of stones from the bowl to represent the worries and distractions in your life. Now choose to put them aside by placing the stones slowly back in the bowl. Spend some time sitting at Jesus' feet and listening. What is he saying to you?
File:
