Who do you identify with more, Martha or Mary? Martha is the busy one, who got frustrated serving others. Mary was the spiritual one who worshiped Jesus. Sound familiar? But is the conclusion of Scripture? You are not defined by the moments in your life where you were not your best. You are defined by how you finish your life, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Heb 12:1-2) Your focus and my focus should be on Jesus, who wrote our lives of abundance and usefulness. Martha finished well.
I Am The Resurrection And The Life
Can you recall the confession the church is built upon? “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Did Peter say this? If you answered No, you are correct. Martha said this when she met Jesus after her brother Lazarus died. Even though she expressed disappointment that Jesus was late, Jesus knew she had intimate spiritual knowledge about Him. She drew out one of the famous “I Am” statements – “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live….” (Jn 11:25) She certainly had come a long way from the person who complained to Jesus about not having help when serving Him and others. Have you grown through some previous struggles to have a deeper, more active faith? God is calling you.
The Confession The Church Is Built Upon
It is in the Gospel of Matthew that Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:16) How do we know that this confession is the foundation of the Church? Jesus said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18) Following that confession, Jesus told His disciples to tell no one. How did Martha know He was the Christ? She knew what the Church what few people knew. Have you learned more about Jesus after having served Him? He wore a yoke of service. As you wear His yoke, He teaches you about Himself, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29)
The Inspiration For The Confession
Was Peter super-spiritual or was he inspired to vocalize this rock of a confession? Jesus provides the answer, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 16:17) Jesus also recognized that Simon would be the leader of the early Church, so He had given him a new name, Petros or Peter. John records this name change, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas (which is translated, A Stone).” (Jn 1:42) Just as the Father revealed this truth to Peter, He revealed this truth to Martha as well.
Service With A Complaint
When Luke first introduced Martha, she had welcomed Jesus into her home. Hopefully, you have welcomed Jesus into your heart. As Jesus was teaching, Martha’s sister Mary was listening intently to Jesus. It appears that Martha was listening, but she was also serving her guests. What happened next is priceless. She complained directly to Jesus about not getting help from her sister Mary. Do you have the confidence to express your true feelings to Jesus? One of the greatest promises about God’s grace is Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” You can have boldness like Martha to come to the throne of God’s grace to receive mercy and grace in your time of need. Hallelujah! You and I are very needy indeed.
What About That Person?
Here again, both Peter and Martha share something in common. They both wanted Jesus to intervene on their behalf toward others. With Peter, it was John. With Martha, it was Mary. Have you wanted others to see your value or to be more concerned about your calling? Jesus told Peter not to be concerned about John, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” (Jn 21:22) You and I need to follow Jesus without expecting others to have the same calling and the same challenges. Martha’s request of Jesus was denied yet instructive. “Martha, Martha, you are worried (merimnao) and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Do you feel that your calling is more demanding than others or not as easy? She expressed her worry and trouble to Jesus. She was honest with Jesus. Jesus taught her about service.
Cast Your Care
God may allow you to experience frustration while serving Him. Why? You need to serve with God’s strength and purposes, not your own. He is waiting for you to cast your care on Him, “…casting all your care (merimna) upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1Pet 5:7) Jesus told Martha not to worry. Martha’s worry is similar to the word Peter used. You can cast your worry on Jesus because He cares (melei) for you. This word used for how God cares is different – it does not mean worry, but to have forethought and interest in you. (Care – Vine’s Dictionary of NT Words) God cares so much about you and has your best interests in mind. Let Him have your worries. Martha was serving but was burdened.
My Yoke Is Easy, My Burden Is Light
The Lord is always maturing you and I. As you serve, you learn a lot about yourself and God. The important point is to serve God. After you have been trained by the Holy Spirit, you will grow in your understanding of His words more deeply, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:30) Martha continued to grow in her faith. After she witnessed her brother being resurrected, she heart became more settled and confident in her service for the Lord. Are you actively serving Jesus? If so, are you more settled and confident in your service?
I Delight To Do Your Will
The psalmist wrote, “I delight to do Your will, O my God…” (Ps 40:8) The last time Martha is mentioned, she was serving is without worrying or complaining. She truly delighted in serving Jesus. “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.” Martha served while the others were sitting at the table with Jesus. Her service allowed others to hear the Lord. As a Christian, are you helping others to hear Jesus? God wants to use you in wonderful ways. We at Be A Living Miracle want to inspire you to let God use you to glorify Him. He has given you grace without measure, and you have a privilege and a responsibility to be a good steward of His grace. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1Pet 4:10) His grace in your soul. Let others receive His grace through you today.