Sermon Recap+ Jul 13, 2025
- Mario Bolivar
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
In the familiar story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42, we find a powerful lesson about balance in our spiritual lives. While Jesus tells Martha that Mary has "chosen the better part," there's more to this story than meets the eye, especially when we examine it in the context of the entire chapter.
What Does the Mary and Martha Story Really Teach Us?
When Jesus visited the home of Martha, she welcomed him in and began preparing for her guest. Meanwhile, her sister Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to his teaching. Martha, feeling overwhelmed by her tasks, asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus responded, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her." At first glance, it seems Jesus is simply praising Mary's choice to listen while criticizing Martha's busyness. But is that the whole story?
Is Mary's Behavior Really Flawless?
While Jesus affirms that Mary chose the "better part" by sitting at his feet and listening, this doesn't mean her actions were flawless. When we look at the broader context of Luke 10, we see Jesus had just taught about loving your neighbor.
In the earlier part of the chapter, Jesus sends out 70 disciples with instructions about how to behave when entering towns. He then tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy to others. The lawyer correctly identifies that loving God and loving your neighbor are the keys to inheriting eternal life.
So when Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and served him, she was actually fulfilling the commandment to love her neighbor! Martha's service was an act of love, even though she became distracted and frustrated.
Who Was Actually Loving Their Neighbor?
When Jesus entered the village, it was Martha who welcomed him into her home. According to Jesus' earlier teaching in Luke 10:8, when you enter a town and people welcome you, you should "eat what is set before you." Martha was fulfilling this hospitality command.
Mary, while choosing the "better part" of listening to Jesus, wasn't actively participating in loving her neighbor through service at that moment. Both sisters had something to learn from each other.
The Problem with Weaponizing Jesus
Martha's mistake wasn't in serving—it was in trying to use Jesus to make Mary do what she wanted. Instead of directly asking Mary for help, she tried to get Jesus to command Mary to help her. This is similar to how some Christians today "weaponize" scripture to force others to do what they want.
A better approach for Martha might have been to speak directly to Mary: "Could you come help me for a bit? None of these men are going to help in the kitchen, and we need to cook." Similarly, Mary could have shown love to her sister by saying, "Martha, I promise to help you in the kitchen if you'll stop for a moment and listen to what Jesus is saying. It's life-changing! I'll help with the dishes afterward."
Finding Balance Between Listening and Doing
Many of us naturally lean toward either "Mary behavior" (listening, contemplating) or "Martha behavior" (doing, serving). The key is finding balance between these tendencies:
Some people are great at listening but not so good at doing
Others excel at doing but struggle with taking time to listen
The ideal is to be a Mary who learns to be a Martha, and a Martha who learns the value of being a Mary. We need both contemplation and action in our spiritual lives.
How to Balance Personal Relationship with Jesus and Loving Others
To find this balance, we need to distinguish between what is important and what is essential. Some things may be important to us but not essential, while other things are truly essential.
We also need situational awareness—understanding who we are, who is around us, and what is happening in the moment. This helps us respond appropriately without assuming or weaponizing Jesus against others.
The stained glass window depicting this story shows both Mary and Martha finding balance: Mary is at Jesus' feet but actively applying balm to his feet (serving), while Martha has left the kitchen to bring food for them to eat together. Both have chosen to serve the Lord in their own way.
What Does James Teach Us About Faith and Action?
James teaches us that "faith without actions shows a faith that is dead." Our faith must propel us to do something—it's not simply something to hold but to display through our actions.
Life Application
To find balance between listening to Jesus and actively serving others, consider implementing one of these practices:
Prioritize quiet time with God - Listen like Mary, but listen with the intention to act, not just to hear.
Practice mindfulness with others - Listen to understand how you can contribute to what others are trying to accomplish, not just to respond.
Set boundaries - Determine what's important versus essential, and be clear about what you can and cannot do.
Delegate when possible - But recognize that some things (like loving your spouse or studying Scripture) cannot be delegated.
Simplify your schedule - Make room for both listening and doing by eliminating what doesn't meet your essential criteria.
Pray for revelation - Ask God to show you where you need more balance.
Remember, Jesus doesn't require perfection—just your willingness to participate. He meets you where you are and will multiply your efforts for His kingdom.
Ask yourself:
Do I tend to be more like Mary (listening) or Martha (doing) in my spiritual life?
Where do I need more balance between contemplation and action?
Have I ever "weaponized" Jesus to get others to do what I want?
What one step can I take this week to better balance my relationship with Jesus and my service to others?
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