Listening to Jesus

It can be easy to criticize Martha's behaviour in this passage.  However, let's not forget that Martha was showing hospitality to Jesus and his disciples by inviting them into her house and serving them.  Mary, for her part, was showing devotion to Jesus by sitting at his feet and listening to him.  Hospitality and devotion, the two hallmarks of a spiritually vibrant household, were embodied in these two sisters.  

Martha's mistake was losing focus; she was too caught up in her work, and she was missing the opportunity to sit down and listen to Jesus.  We often get too caught up in our work, as well--even our church work--and we miss the opportunity to sit down and listen to Jesus.

To see this sermon in the context of the larger entire worship service, please open this bulletin.