One ThingSample

The One Thing That Can’t Be Taken Away

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house” (Luke 10:38, ESV).

Martha ran to meet Jesus on the road into Bethany, a faint streak of flour still on her forehead. As she welcomed him, she may have suddenly remembered her unwashed hands and quickly wiped them on her apron. That’s the kind of woman she was—always working, serving, and welcoming strangers into her home. But Jesus was no stranger to Martha. She and her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, loved Jesus, and having him in their home was an honor. Martha couldn’t bear the thought of having him pass through town without offering him some refreshment and rest.

But it was no small thing to host Jesus and his twelve disciples without warning or a trip to Costco. Someone had to cook and take care of their guests, and that’s what Martha did best. Yet, as she looked into the living room and saw her sister sitting at Jesus’ feet, blissfully unaware of the mountain of work that needed to be done, Martha’s patience boiled over. Her typically gracious tone turned sour as she complained to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me” (v. 40).

Can you envision this scene in your mind’s eye? Have you lived this scene in your own life?

Marthas of the world often bristle at this story. It’s not that they don’t want to do what Mary’s doing—it’s just that they think their behind-the-scenes work makes Mary’s stillness possible. Someone has to prepare the food and clean the floors, so that everyone else can listen to Jesus. Martha probably had every intention of sitting at Jesus’ feet after serving; if only her sister would help her, she could get to that more quickly!

There was no question about the necessity of Martha’s labor, but Jesus’ tender rebuke of Martha was not aimed at her service but her priorities. “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).

Mary chose the one essential thing over the many urgent things. The “one thing” necessary in that moment was sitting at Jesus’ feet, receiving his life-giving words. The chores would eventually be completed, and the meal would be served, but their benefits were temporary. His words would nourish her soul for eternity.

Jesus mercifully invited Martha to reorder her priorities—to trade the tyranny of the urgent for the joy of the one thing. Your service matters, and it brings glory to God, but it must flow from devotion, not replace it. Holy leisure is this posture: unhurried, undistracted, and present with Christ, knowing that in him we find the better portion that won’t be taken away.