One Thing Is Needed

Luke 10:39-42

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

This story has always spoken to me. If I’m honest, I find myself sympathizing with Martha, while also seeing the beauty of Mary recognizing who was in her home.

Let’s look at Martha.

As someone who enjoys hosting, I understand her. I like things to be in order when guests come over. I plan, clean, think through the meal, and want everyone to feel comfortable and cared for. I can only imagine the pressure Martha felt welcoming Jesus into her home, likely without much notice or time to prepare.

She was probably scrambling. Gathering food, cleaning up, thinking through every detail. Is everything ready? Does Jesus need anything? Is the table set?

Martha wanted everything to be perfect for Jesus. But in reality, He was there to make things right for her.

Jesus tells Martha that she is “careful and troubled about many things.” The word careful can mean being cautious, trying to avoid risk, or paying close attention to every detail. Martha may have been trying to manage everything perfectly, even holding back from fully receiving what was right in front of her.

Meanwhile, Mary chose something different. She sat at the feet of Jesus.

Are you feeling careful and troubled?

This story shows us what to do when we are. Sit at His feet.

Jesus said, “one thing is needed.” That one thing is not doing more, fixing more, or striving harder. It is being with Him.

It is the place where a heavy heart begins to lift, where a worried mind is quieted, and where peace is found no matter what is going on around you.

When you spend time with the Lord, you are able to lay down your cares. You are reminded of what He says about you. And in that place, your heart is realigned with what truly matters.

The work will always be there. The responsibilities will not disappear. But peace is found when we choose to pause and sit with Him.

May we know how to serve, but who also know when to stop, sit, and receive.
Because in the end, it is not what we do for Him that changes us most, but simply being with Him.