Martha and Mary, God's care

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Second Edition

Gospel Luke 10:38–42 God’s Providence

As Jesus and his disciples traveled on, they came to a village. There a woman named Martha welcomed him. Martha had a sister named Mary. She sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. Martha was distracted with much serving, so she came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving? Tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42 Second Edition)

A Fascinating Beginning

A sermon from the Gospel of Luke (10:38-42) opens us to a profound discussion about the different approaches to life of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus’ visit to their home raises questions about God’s care and balance in life. Could their teachings help us today? Let’s explore how we can find balance between our daily responsibilities and our spiritual lives.

Martha and Mary - an example of two different approaches

Martha’s home was familiar to Jesus, and she was the head of the family. Martha was enthusiastically focused on preparing meals and serving guests. When Jesus arrived, Martha’s efforts to fulfill her duties as a hostess led to excessive haste. According to research, most adults experience stress on more than 70 percent of their workdays, and this haste reminds us of how easily we can lose peace in the midst of busyness.

Instead, Mary chose a quiet moment and listened to Jesus. She understood that this moment was special and a source of spiritual nourishment. This teaches us that sometimes it is more important to stop than to do. For example, according to a study, 60 percent of people who meditate regularly report that their spiritual well-being has actually improved.

Martha’s Worry and Haste

Jesus said to Martha, “Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things.” This remark tells us how Martha was too focused on practical matters and forgot about spiritual needs. Today’s busy lifestyle makes this problem even more pronounced. Especially in Finland, half of the people feel that they do not have enough time to relax.

Martha’s story warns us that we must know how to loosen our grip on the busyness of everyday life and find moments of calm. Instead of getting overwhelmed by work, we can choose wise and calming moments in the presence of God.

Mary’s Calming Presence

Mary provides an example of the calming power. Her decision to listen to Jesus meant that she gained strength and wisdom. This is important, because spiritual growth and understanding are important in the long run to face life's challenges. In relationships and work, stress can be as high as 50%, so calming down should not just be an occasional choice but a regular practice.

Mary shows us how crucial spiritual nourishment can be and reminds us that spiritual moments can give us strength to face life's challenges.

Balance in life - responsibilities and the Word of God

The examples of Martha and Mary help us find balance in our own lives. Life is full of responsibilities, but finding spiritual moments is important to recruit peace and strength.

Could creating daily routines help us spend more time with God's Word? One practical suggestion could be reading the Bible once a day or a moment of prayer, when we can calm down and listen to God's messages. This can help us both to calm down and to get rid of unnecessary worries like Martha’s.

God’s Care for Us All

Jesus’ words to Martha, “Only one thing is needed,” emphasize the importance of God’s care at the center of our lives. When we learn to trust God, we can reduce fear and worry. Trusting in God’s guidance can reduce our stress levels by up to 30 percent, and that is why it is important to practice it.

A spiritual foundation is the strength that helps us get through the difficult moments of life. We must remember that gratitude and obedience to God’s word are central to our search for peace.

The Importance of Bible Teachings Today

Martha and Mary offer us practical lessons that are still relevant today. Modern life is full of stress, and we need to understand the Bible’s messages about the importance of calm and care. The majority of adults say that spiritual practice helps them manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

The Bible’s teaching encourages us to seek moments of calm in God’s Word, and this is increasingly important in today’s world. It gives us a foundation for spiritual practices that can help us find peace and strength.

Summary

The story of Martha and Mary, told in Luke, offers us a rich set of lessons. Their different approaches and Jesus’ gentle reminder help us evaluate how we balance our responsibilities with our spiritual well-being. The question is when to act and when to listen.

God’s care is always present, and we can lean on his word. When we make time for God in our lives, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding.

The hustle and bustle of life never ends, but we have the choice to respond to them. The story of Martha and Mary is a comforting reminder that God’s care is what matters most, and that resting in God’s Word can help us live a balanced life.

Think about what “only one is needed” means to you today?