But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, NET)

During our day-to-day lives, it is easy to become bogged down by the many tasks and responsibilities we have on our plate. Between work, school, church, and family – life can get crazy (even if it’s a good crazy)! Within this daily crazy, we are often forced to make choices on what we will prioritize and how we will spend our limited amount of time.

In the passage above, Jesus is with two sisters, Mary and Martha, and explains to Martha that Mary has chosen the “best part.” Let’s look back at the verses preceding these to see what choice Mary made. The passage starts,

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. But Martha was distracted with all of the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me.’” (Luke 10:38-40)

What a tough situation! I am sure that as you read, you may have felt some sympathy for Martha. She was hosting the Son of God, trying to serve Him as best she could, and it would be reasonable to expect some help from her sister. But what are Jesus’ thoughts on the matter? Going back to his answer, He states that only one thing is necessary: to sit at His feet and listen.

Taking another step back, if you look at the passage directly prior to this (Luke 10:25-37), you might recognize it as the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, Jesus highlights the commandment God has given His followers to love one’s neighbors, which practically speaking is anyone in need around you. The importance of this command cannot be overstated. But I also think it is no accident that this parable is followed by Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha, a story where rather than doing things for Jesus, simply being with Jesus is revealed to be the “best part.” And not only that but the time Mary spent with Jesus “will not be taken away from her.”

 As you go about your day today, set aside specific time to sit with Jesus and spend time with Him. He wants to have a personal relationship with you! Your actions can be discredited or misconstrued, but the time you spend with Him and how that transforms you cannot ever be taken away. Let us strive this week to live a life of balance for Jesus; one where we prioritize being with Him first and then serving Him.  

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Scripture quotations taken from the New English Translation NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.