When I was young, I wondered why Martha got so upset but as a middle-aged woman, I understand. So many of us love with food. We show our love by doing, doing, doing.
Martha wanted to show Jesus respect and love. It was so important to her. She wanted to ensure everything was perfect. I wonder how Martha would have reacted had she felt she too had the luxury of sitting alongside Mary and listening.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. “So many of us love with food” hit me hard—because it's so true! And showing love that way sometimes means we're too exhausted to love those we're serving, at least in ways that might be meaningful to them.
I think Martha fell into the same trap I do: believing Jesus wants me to do for Him, not just be with Him. I've never thought of what it would have taken for Martha to give herself permission to just put the pita and hummus in the middle of the room and sit down, relaxing alongside Mary.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment—and for giving me more to sit with.
I never thought of Mary as being so bold, unconventional and unabashedly brazen to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. Perhaps Martha was protective and a little embarrassed by her sister’s behavior. It was an opportunity for Jesus to reassure Martha and all women that we have an equal seat at His table.
Oh, thanks, Sue! I hadn't considered that Martha may have been feeling protective of Mary's reputation, as well! What a great insight! Thanks for taking the time to read about Martha! <3
This post is incredible! Not only is it fun to read, but I learned new insights about Martha and her times. Kathleen, you have a gift! Please keep these coming
I actually teared up from finding so much meaning in this microcosmic interaction between God and Humanity after you reframed it for me. Based on your research, preparing food was one of Martha's only ways to meditatively honor the Torah as a woman who couldn't go to temple or write and read it. She was recreating the Genesis story by making a good and safe place for people, like her God did in the days of creation. Like Abel, she wanted to offer her very best. But maybe Jesus was addressing the way we as religious humans can get so caught up in trying to impress our God that we lose sight of the other vital part of relationship: letting him lavish us with his instruction and presence. Mary chose what is best because she chose relationship over religion.
Kathleen - your study, wisdom and insight is so needed for anyone who follows Jesus. You are a gifted writer! Your humor and ability to draw people into a closer relationship with God are such a blessing. Can’t wait for the next one!!
When I was young, I wondered why Martha got so upset but as a middle-aged woman, I understand. So many of us love with food. We show our love by doing, doing, doing.
Martha wanted to show Jesus respect and love. It was so important to her. She wanted to ensure everything was perfect. I wonder how Martha would have reacted had she felt she too had the luxury of sitting alongside Mary and listening.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. “So many of us love with food” hit me hard—because it's so true! And showing love that way sometimes means we're too exhausted to love those we're serving, at least in ways that might be meaningful to them.
I think Martha fell into the same trap I do: believing Jesus wants me to do for Him, not just be with Him. I've never thought of what it would have taken for Martha to give herself permission to just put the pita and hummus in the middle of the room and sit down, relaxing alongside Mary.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment—and for giving me more to sit with.
I never thought of Mary as being so bold, unconventional and unabashedly brazen to be sitting at the feet of Jesus. Perhaps Martha was protective and a little embarrassed by her sister’s behavior. It was an opportunity for Jesus to reassure Martha and all women that we have an equal seat at His table.
Thank you for sharing Kathleen.
Oh, thanks, Sue! I hadn't considered that Martha may have been feeling protective of Mary's reputation, as well! What a great insight! Thanks for taking the time to read about Martha! <3
This post is incredible! Not only is it fun to read, but I learned new insights about Martha and her times. Kathleen, you have a gift! Please keep these coming
Thank you Patty! Your encouraging words mean everything to me! <3
I actually teared up from finding so much meaning in this microcosmic interaction between God and Humanity after you reframed it for me. Based on your research, preparing food was one of Martha's only ways to meditatively honor the Torah as a woman who couldn't go to temple or write and read it. She was recreating the Genesis story by making a good and safe place for people, like her God did in the days of creation. Like Abel, she wanted to offer her very best. But maybe Jesus was addressing the way we as religious humans can get so caught up in trying to impress our God that we lose sight of the other vital part of relationship: letting him lavish us with his instruction and presence. Mary chose what is best because she chose relationship over religion.
Great comment, Julia! I love your insights and how you took it further than I had imagined. You have a wonderful way of thinking!
Enjoyed this post, Kathleen. I love the insight around the fact that I have perhaps seriously judged Martha. Thanks.
Thanks, Kristen!! I really appreciate you taking the time to read it! That's how I felt about her too.
Kathleen - your study, wisdom and insight is so needed for anyone who follows Jesus. You are a gifted writer! Your humor and ability to draw people into a closer relationship with God are such a blessing. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read it and for your kind words. I really appreciate them coming from you! <3