Most of us have read countless analyses of Luke 10:38-42, which is the story of Martha complaining to Jesus that her sister, Mary, is not helping her serve the guests in their home. She is told her sister, who has chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching, has made the wise choice.

I am not reviewing this section of Scripture to offer a critique of Martha. Instead, I want to commend her for taking this issue to Jesus. When I am anxious and troubled about many things, do I go directly to Jesus? Do you?

Situations often cause anxiety and sleepless nights. It could be a responsibility we have that is physically and mentally draining. Or harsh scrutiny of the things we say and do resulting in accusations by people to which we don’t know how to respond.

But in this short passage recorded by Luke, we see that Martha was open and honest with Jesus about her feelings. Some criticize her for questioning His compassion… “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Some say Jesus is not Lord of her life if she is bossing Him around… “Tell her then to help me.”

However, her honesty resolved the issue. Jesus called her by name twice, reassuring her of His love before giving her the hard truth.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 ESV

Have you ever sung the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”? The author, Joseph Scriven, writes about Jesus bearing our sins and all that grieves our hearts. While we can no longer physically sit at His feet like Mary, we can still talk with Him in prayer.

In verse three of this hymn, we sing:

“Are we weak and heavy-laden,

     Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.”¹

When Jesus released His spirit at the time of His death on the cross, the veil in the temple tore in two from top to bottom. This veil, which separated the Holy place from the Holy of Holies, was 30-feet high, 60-feet wide, and four-inches thick. The High Priest was the only person who could go beyond the veil and enter the Holy of Holies, and only on the day of atonement. One person on one day could stand in the presence of God. Then the veil tore because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins on the cross and access to God was available to everyone. All who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior can walk into the presence of God. Sin no longer separates us because we are forgiven.

When we pray, we find ourselves in Martha’s position, the very presence of God.

Let’s remember the lyrics of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and carry everything to Him in prayer.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:

1-When was the last time you poured your heart out to Jesus? What was His response?

References:

1-“What a Friend We Have in Jesus (1855). Lyrics by Joseph Scriven (public domain).