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 “Between Two Sisters”

 

We have begun a new series entitled: “The Inner Ear of the Spirit.” It's vitally important to be able to “hear” – and, in a spiritual sense it means more than just to listen.

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I want to move to a story that illustrates that this morning- it's a story of two sisters. It's the first time that Jesus has stayed at this place- these people will become his friends- Two sisters and a brother named Martha, Mary and Lazarus.  

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Luke 10: 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

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Martha welcomed Jesus into her home -but would she welcome Him into her heart? Or would she be too preoccupied with issues that seemed to be more important. She was hospitable, she enjoyed entertaining, putting on a meal. But does she have a spirit that enjoys intimacy with Jesus; would she enjoy just sitting and listening to Him and hearing what He had to say?

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The Bible says that Mary, the other sister, sat at Jesus' feet - it seems in this story that something had come between the two sisters. And the thing that came between them was the person of Jesus. Because one was preoccupied with much busyness and the other was attentive to listening to Him.

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Jesus, by this time, has heard enough of Martha’s self pity and complaining - His response is classic: Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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It's a word of correction but it's couched; it's enveloped in concern and love and tenderness. Jesus offers the truth in love - He tells her about herself -  “you’re worried and anxious Martha.”  Jesus says only “one thing is needed” - this is a necessity - time spent listening at My feet - there is no higher calling.