WORDS: for good or evil?

  

                                        The Dinner Guest

 

 

Knock! Knock! 

“Jesus! How good to see you! Please come in! You are just in time for dinner.”

      The Lord Jesus had arrived in Bethany, at Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ home, where he was always welcome. They loved the Master. The village was three kilometres northwest of Jerusalem, and a congenial home where Jesus could rest after his journey.  

    As Lazarus and his male guests reclined at the table, Mary’s excited heart fluttered because Jesus was about to teach them more about his Father. Imagine knowing God like Jesus did! She snuck in behind the men and soaked up his words. His gentle, measured voice was a balm to her troubled heart. Martha kept Mary running off her feet, but she needed space to receive Jesus’s comfort and peace.

 

If I were Martha, I’d be worrying about keeping the house tidy and cooking a perfect dinner for my guests.

       I’d be reflecting on Mary’s two excellent hands and feet, and why she wasn’t helping me. Although the Bible doesn’t reveal all Martha’s irritation with Mary, she resented her sister.

 In the courtyard, did Martha’s mind flitter between chores and tasks? If she included more meat and vegetables, there would be plenty for everyone. Despite spending her morning sweeping the floor, a gust had scattered leaves and debris across the yard. Why was the pot slow to boil? Had Lazarus restocked the wood pile that morning? Martha kept this household running, but she couldn't do it alone. Why weren’t there enough washed platters when she’d rushed into the house for a clean one? Hadn’t she told her sister to scrub the entire stack while she cleaned the house? Since Jesus was a frequent visitor, Martha liked the house spick and span for him. Why didn’t her family understand their reputation as hosts depended on it? You could never be sure how many would accompany Jesus on his travels. She could hear Jesus’ soothing voice resonating in the background. No wonder Mary loved to listen to the Master.

  You can dismiss these imaginings as fantasy because they are not in the Bible, but they are just the type of thoughts any woman may have in similar circumstances.

    Martha caught sight of her sister sitting among the disciples at his feet, listening to his words, absorbed, a gentle smile hovering on her lips. How pleasant for Mary, but would she ever realise Martha needed help? Jesus paused, and Martha seized the moment to grab his attention.

           “Lord, my sister has abandoned me to do all the work. Tell her to help me!”

            “Martha! You’re worried about everything, but Mary has chosen something better, and you can’t take it from her.”  

        If you get the picture, you’ll identify with Martha’s anxiety. Her home was her pride and joy, a tidy, hospitable retreat for their dearest friends.

         Mary’s emotions ran deep, and she needed a respite to process her feelings. When Jesus spoke about his heavenly Father, God’s love radiated around him, and you knew he was God in the flesh. Jesus oozed with compassion, and he listened when you spoke to him, treating you with kindness and respect, regardless of whether you were a man or a woman. Most rabbis thought women’s concerns and opinions were paltry. Jesus’ miraculous powers set him apart from everyone. Later, when Jesus awoke Lazarus from the dead, Martha recognised Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.

     Paul, the apostle, sat at Gamaliel’s feet, in humble recognition of the master’s superior knowledge. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to learn and grow in her faith because she loved him. Do we worship the Lord Jesus and spend precious time with him? Do we want to learn from him? Is he Lord, and are we humble disciples?

    Did Jesus denigrate Martha’s service? He didn’t, but, on this occasion, he reminded her Mary had chosen a better role. Jesus would enjoy the meal and bless the hands who prepared it, but he knew his sojourn was short. After his death and resurrection, they would recall treasured memories and the truths he’d taught them about God. Luke must have heard these incidents from the sisters after the resurrection.

    Dinner guests visit us to enjoy our company. We serve them our best dishes, and make the occasion special, but we remember their fellowship long after they have eaten the dinner. If these relationships are valuable, how much more priceless are ours with the Lord Jesus? How can we serve our homes and community or be his disciples if we neglect our daily appointment with him? Our quiet times in the Bible and prayer, when we sit at his feet and hear his word, the bread of life, sustain us and steady us. We draw aside from our journey and replenish our souls, focussed on him.

 

Moments with Jesus! Treasure them, because your life depends on them.

As you open your Bible, pray, slow down, and dwell on each word. Let Jesus speak to you. Visit with God during your quiet time rather than seeing it as another task to cross off your daily list.

 

Pause and Pray: I worship you, Lord Jesus, because you are the true and living God. When I ignore you because of my many duties, please keep knocking on my heart’s door. Your fellowship is food for my soul, and water which washes me clean. Thank you, Amen.