Scripture: “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” ~Luke 10:41–42, ESV
Busyness Can Feel Holy—but It Can Also Be a Distraction
Life rarely slows down. There is always another task to handle, another message to answer, another commitment to fulfill. The pressure to be productive can even follow us into our spiritual lives. We serve at church, lead small groups, volunteer, and stay “on mission.” Yet beneath the motion, there can be a quiet disconnection from Christ Himself.
Luke 10:38–42 calls this out. It gives us more than a glimpse into a family’s home. It gives us a mirror for our souls. If your daily devotion feels like a checkbox and your prayer journal remains unopened, you’re not alone. Even in Scripture, we see that doing good things can sometimes keep us from choosing the best thing.
A Home Filled with Jesus—and a Heart Filled with Pressure
As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, He stops in the village of Bethany. A woman named Martha welcomes Him into her home. Hospitality in Jewish culture was sacred. Welcoming a rabbi meant preparing a full meal, tending to every detail, and meeting high expectations. Martha responds to this honor the way many would, she gets to work.
But Luke tells us Martha became distracted. The Greek word periespato means to be pulled in different directions. Martha’s activity isn’t sinful. But her heart becomes scattered, and her priorities slip. Jesus, the Son of God, sits in her home, and yet she is so consumed with serving Him that she misses the opportunity to simply be with Him.
Mary’s Decision Changed the Atmosphere
Mary, Martha’s sister, does something unexpected. She sits at the Lord’s feet and listens. This wasn’t typical for women of that time. To sit at a rabbi’s feet meant to assume the role of a disciple. Mary wasn’t being passive. She was pursuing spiritual growth in the most direct way possible, by listening to the words of Jesus.
Jesus didn’t rebuke her. He didn’t ask her to help her sister. He affirmed her choice. Mary understood that listening to Christ would feed her soul more than any meal ever could. That’s why He called it “the good portion.”
Martha’s Complaint Reveals the Real Conflict
Eventually, Martha speaks up. She asks Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Her complaint sounds reasonable. She feels the burden. But her words also reveal a deeper struggle—she believes her busyness should earn her validation.
Jesus responds with compassion. He repeats her name: “Martha, Martha.” This was a gentle correction, not an angry rebuke. He sees her heart. She’s anxious. She’s troubled. The word used for “troubled” in Greek is thorybazē, which means agitated or disturbed. Her soul is unsettled.
Jesus tells her that only one thing is necessary. Mary chose it, and it will not be taken away.
Theology We Can’t Afford to Skip
This short passage teaches an important truth. Service for God must never come before worship of God. Jesus doesn’t criticize hard work, but He does challenge misplaced priorities. Before we serve, we must sit. Before we give, we must receive. That’s what makes daily devotion and Bible study vital for spiritual growth.
Mary’s choice reminds us that knowing Jesus is the foundation for everything else. Her posture of listening teaches us to slow down. Time in God’s Word is not a luxury, it is a necessity. This is not about personality types or preferences. It’s about devotion that begins in communion with Christ.
Why This Matters for You Today
Many people reading this devotional feel like Martha. They’re tired, busy, and trying their best. But without time at Jesus’ feet, that effort will eventually burn out. A prayer journal can help refocus your heart. Time in Scripture restores your mind. Intimacy with God doesn’t happen accidentally. It grows by daily choice.
This passage isn’t just about Mary and Martha. It’s about us. If your life is noisy, this is your reminder to step away and return to what matters. Bible study is how we hear Him. Worship is how we respond.
Jesus is still inviting us to sit at His feet.
Prayer Journal Reflection
- What activities have been keeping me too busy to rest with Jesus?
- Have I allowed service to replace worship in my daily routine?
- When can I create space this week to prioritize prayer, Scripture, and quiet listening?
- How can I use my prayer journal more intentionally to slow down and center on Christ?
Write your thoughts in your My Devotion Journal.
Closing Reminder
Jesus doesn’t need your performance. He wants your presence. Stop striving. Choose the better portion. Let everything else begin at His feet.
