28 Jul From Doing to Being, and Grieving to Believing

“Martha, Martha—you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—indeed only one.” I can almost imagine Jesus grabbing her by the shoulders as He uttered these words, looking into her frantic eyes and coaxing her to take a deep breath and focus on Him. Oh, how I can relate to poor Martha! I love making “to do” lists and joyfully checking tasks off one by one. I am a “do-er,” often tempted to take on more than I can reasonably handle. Like Martha, I also enjoy opening my home to friends who are in need of refuge and respite. These are good things, for myself and for others—but even good things can become precariously preoccupying sometimes. Even my time of “devoting” can become a task rather than an act of worship if I’m not mindful of it. How much do I slow my mind to really listen? How much do I wait and worship, with no agenda except to simply be with God with a receptive, quiet spirit? I suspect most of us have some Martha in us, both her strengths and weaknesses.

The Bible tells us that Martha and her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, are among Jesus’ dear, personal friends (John 11:5). It was customary for Jesus and His disciples to stay with them in nearby Bethany when they went to Jerusalem. Interestingly, it is identified as Martha’s home (Luke 10:38), suggesting that she was responsible for the household. Her home was a refuge for Jesus and His friends—a place of warm hospitality, comfort, and rest. In fact, it was the place where He ate and slept until the night before His arrest and crucifixion.

After one exhausting period of itinerant ministry, Jesus and His disciples had come to Martha’s home where she made them supper (Luke 10:38-41). With at least thirteen hungry men showing up to enjoy her hospitality, it is not a mystery that Martha was “distracted.” While sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching, Martha complained to Jesus, “Doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Jesus gently rebuked Martha for her impatience with Mary and her own frazzled spirit. He knew that Martha was totally devoted to Him, but He didn’t just want her sacrificial service to Him. He wanted her—her attention, her spiritual understanding, her fellowship. Jesus gave Martha perspective to see that she was living under “the tyranny of the urgent,” and as a result neglecting what was most important.

The next gospel narrative involving these close friends of Jesus takes place just weeks before Jesus’ death (John 11). He and His disciples had retreated to the wilderness, and a messenger arrived to inform Him that Lazarus was gravely ill. As a dear friend of the family, it was expected that Jesus would immediately come to heal Lazarus, as He had so many others. Instead Jesus waited for several days. When He finally arrived, the “nick of time” had already come and gone. Lazarus was dead and buried. Martha’s first words to Jesus were, “Lord, if only you had been here.” Her statement couldn’t hide her grievous disappointment that He had failed to come quickly. But then Martha made the extraordinary statement, “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” In Martha, we find a mixture of confusion, grief, and yet a remnant of remarkable hope!

Despite her suffering, Martha was very clear on who Jesus is and His power over death itself. Jesus’ response to her was, “I am the resurrection and the life.” With this, Jesus challenged Martha to believe in Him and His purposes—and not simply in His power to just fix her grievous circumstances. Jesus wanted to lead Martha from despair to hope, and from hope to Himself. And with greater clarity than even some of His disciples, Martha responded, “Yes, Lord. I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” Martha’s hope and faith in Jesus was answered by Him in the resurrection and temporary restoration of her brother’s life. But what we learn from Martha’s interaction with Jesus is that He offers a far greater and enduring hope to us all, no matter what difficulties come our way.

Our last recorded glimpse of Martha shows her again hosting Jesus and His disciples, while providing a dinner in celebration of the life of Lazarus and in honor of the One who has power over death (John 12:1-7). Martha was simply the hostess she’d always been— generously offering her hospitality—but this time joyfully and without grumbling in her heart over the tasks at hand. Perhaps Jesus’ challenge to focus on what was truly important—Him—was resonating in her ears. Or maybe she sensed the grave danger He was imminently facing, and took these moments to savor time with her Lord before His own death and resurrection. Whatever the case, this time it seems she was truly present with Jesus, as her work for Him and hope in Him became one in her worship of Him.

Lord, teach us the balance of doing and being, of serving and worshipping. Let truth sink deep, take root, and create real change in the pace and priorities of our lives. Lord, deepen our hunger to simply be with You, whether we are quietly alone, or fully engaged in the busy demands of “real life.” And give us grace and wisdom to follow You according to our own unique personalities and “bents,” honoring the way You have made us—just as Martha did.

-Virginia Griffin, Pelham Campus