Let’s consider the lives
of Mary and Martha of Bethany. Mary is a
great biblical example of a person whose desire was to be taught by Jesus:
Every time she appears in the Bible, she’s kneeling before Lord Jesus. In John
(chapter) 11, she’s at Jesus’ feet in sorrow. In John 12, she’s at Jesus’ feet
in adoration. In Luke 10, she’s at Jesus’ feet to learn truth. Mary, the
worshiper, wants her soul fed by Jesus – her sister, Martha, the worker, wants
to feed Jesus.
Mary and Martha had
welcomed Jesus into their home. With good intentions, Martha took steps to
prepare a meal for the honoured guest. Mary is now introduced into the story: “And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and
heard his word” (Luke 10:39). Martha was in the kitchen cooking
food, and Mary was in the living room, learning from Jesus. Martha, annoyed
that Mary wasn’t helping with the work, interrupted the Lord, saying, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore
tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40). She was giving a command to Jesus – that’s
dangerous.
Jesus, in His divine
wisdom, analysed the situation and told Martha she was filled with unnecessary
anxiety that had harmfully affected her priorities. The things she worried
about really weren’t important. “One thing is needed,”
Jesus told Martha, “and Mary has chosen
that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
Jesus commended Mary for having good priorities,
namely, learning the Word of God.
Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan calls this “the one supreme necessity.” Mary’s experience was that of being
taught by the incarnate Christ. Each of us can experience the blessing of being
taught by the risen Christ – by the power of his Holy Spirit, through the study
of God’s amazing Word. Come, God’s people, let us study the Bible, apply it,
teach it and live the Word together.
“Grow in the grace
and knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. To him
be the glory,
Both now and to the day of
eternity. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
THINK BIG.
START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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