Welcoming Jesus
Luke 10:38-42

What do you do when invited guests come to your home? Do you sit and talk with them? Do you make them something to eat? Do you hurry around to put away clutter? Do you treat your guest with high honor or as one of the family?

Martha was so happy when she and her sister Mary welcomed Jesus into their home. The word welcome means to greet with great hospitality and courtesy. Those whom we welcome should feel comfortable and well cared for. It is pretty certain that Martha and Mary did just that when Jesus came as a guest to their home.

But after welcoming Jesus, Martha went to the kitchen and distracted herself with all the formalities that came with welcoming a guest. In contrast, Mary humbly sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to His words.

Martha became focused on the formalities of hospitality, and yet wanted to be with Jesus just as Mary was. Many translations describe Martha as distracted. The word in the Greek text is periespato, meaning drawn away or dragged away. Martha came to Jesus, their guest, to resolve the matter as she thought it should be resolved—to get Mary into the kitchen and help her.

In love, Jesus explained to Martha that she was full of care and very troubled by all that she was doing. He described Mary’s choice of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His words as the best decision. Jesus’ words are a reminder to us that neither things nor people can take away the blessing of time with Jesus.

It seems apparent from this story that Martha and Mary had two very different personalities and each sought to show their love in different ways. Those with whom we interact every day also have unique and special personalities. Take a moment to think about those people around you and describe to yourself some of their unique traits which make them so special. Thank God for their uniqueness and ask God to help you show love to them in Jesus’ name.

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