Martha…Martha …you are worried and upset about many things. But one thing is needed …..(Luke 10:41,42)
Martha was a very hospitable woman. She welcomed Jesus and his disciples into her house. When Jesus came to her house, her house became like a revival meeting venue. People came to her house because Jesus was at her place. Jesus was teaching them, and Mary, her sister, was also sitting at the feet of Jesus , along with all the people. Now, at a point , Martha became upset and worried.
Let us study the scenario closely, Martha was the one who welcomed Jesus and His disciples into her house. It was Martha who wanted to feed them. It seems she had not asked for any help from Mary, initially, as it clearly states that Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word. It can be, that Martha was cooking and simultaneously listening to Jesus’ words. It might have so happened that she was so much into listening that something went wrong in her kitchen. However, when she realized her mistake , she became upset. Maybe the multitasking, about which she was so much confident , laid her down. She was distracted with much work. As we all know that it is a human tendency to play the blame game, even Adam and Eve, our first parents were no exception to this. Martha, as she was greatly frustrated , without thinking twice she rushed into the congregation, intending the attention of Jesus. The way her approach was towards Jesus and the words she uttered to him, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me alone? “ exhibit rudeness towards the guest. She then continues to blame her sister for her irresponsible behaviour of not helping her. When Jesus saw the countenance of Martha, He immediately deciphered the flaw in the vessel and said “Martha, Martha , you are worried and troubled by many things. But one thing is needed , and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
Wasn’t Martha a good host, wasn’t she an understanding sister? Wasn’t she a believer of Godly things?. In that case, what was that one thing she lacked? Jesus was definitely not pointing to her rude behaviour, nor the temper tantrums. Moreover, He never mentioned about that one thing which she should work on. However, if we carefully study the event of Lazarus’ death, Martha’s beliefs and her perceptions become more evident. (John 11:1-44). Now, note what Martha’s said to Jesus , “Lord , if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (v22). She also knew about Resurrection at the last day (v24). Most of the orthodox Jews believe in the eventual resurrection of the body. When Jesus revealed her about the resurrection and life (v25), she confessed that she believes, He is the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. Martha’s belief exceeded the belief of the people who were around her. Considering her knowledge and understanding , what then did she lack according to Jesus?
Further, at the grave of Lazarus, when Jesus asked the people to take away the stone on the tomb of Lazarus, Martha said to Jesus, “Lord by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”(v39). Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (v40). This is the first time Jesus condemns Martha of her disbelief. By now, we have clearly discerned that Martha’s faith, her belief and her words were not in order. Spiritually, she was in a baffled state. She was not standing in awe at the tomb expecting a miracle, she was not looking forward to see the glory of God , rather she was thinking about the stench. She lacked the faith to comprehend the Omnipotence of Jesus. Jesus can do what He wants even today. He is not subject to any physical limitations like man is. He can deliver us from any difficult, hopeless, awful, distressing, unmanageable, troublesome situation. Let us believe in Him and see the glory of God which is anticipated for us. May the Good Lord give us a heart which acknowledges the Omnipotence of the Trinity. May the Holy Spirit give us the discernment to comprehend the “one thing” we lack.