Presented by Julie Busteed
Have you ever been described as a “Martha?” When I say “Martha,” I’m referring to the account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 which says:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
Can you relate to Martha? I certainly can. I often find myself caught up in the preparations—focused on the details, planning, organizing—because I genuinely enjoy it. But sometimes like Martha, I get so consumed by all the things that serving becomes a burden rather than a joy.
Jesus gently reminded Martha—and me—that “few things are needed and indeed only one!” I need that reminder: to keep my focus on my guests, to be present, listen, and offer encouragement.
Hospitality should be outward-focused. It’s not that preparation is wrong. It’s good and necessary—but it shouldn’t take center stage. The priority is the guest, not the checklist.
It seems to me that Martha truly wanted to give her best. She opened her home and gave of herself and time, but she became frustrated when her sister Mary had a different priority.
Interestingly in John’s gospel we see a later moment in Mary’s life. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, she and her siblings hosted Jesus and his disciples again:
Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served (John 12:2a).
Martha is still serving, still practicing hospitality, but it seems to me she’s not distracted. Her priorities have changed.
That’s my prayer for me and you. That we would continue to practice hospitality—showing God’s love through our service, without letting the details overshadow the purpose.