Reflections: But Lord, who will get things done?

Thank you to my friends who happen to be named Martha—three or four of you—for perspective over the years about having that name. In Luke’s gospel, chapter 10, we see Jesus and his friends entering “the home of a woman named Martha,” implying that she may have been a widow or the oldest of unmarried siblings including Mary and Lazarus, and thereby responsible for the household. 

Like many of us, Martha wanted to be hospitable. When her sister didn’t pitch in to help, she appealed to Jesus, prompting His famous reply, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 41-42, NKJV). Some older translations use the word “cumbered” to describe Martha. 

I’ve heard plenty of sermons (as have my friends) about being more like Mary and prioritizing quiet time with the Lord, but let’s be honest, if we all did that all the time, how would things get done? 

As with many topics, context—from Luke, as well as other Gospels and the entire Bible—is key. The Benson Commentary says it well: 

“Martha expressed her regard for her divine guest by the care she took to provide the best entertainment in her power for him and his disciples. . . Jesus’ repetition of Martha’s name [also] implies tenderness and care.” 

The word “cumbered” implies being drawn many ways at the same time, agitated like swirling water. Jesus’ visit should have been seen as an opportunity to learn from Him, rather than an occasion for worry. He would have valued Martha even if the meal was not quite as she wished—in our context, sandwiches or quick takeout rather than stressing in the kitchen. 

Throughout Scripture, we see many people serving: As the early Church grew, the apostles appointed deacons to help with practical needs. The famous Proverbs 31 woman worked hard to earn income and was hospitable. Early Christians were encouraged to host traveling evangelists. And the list goes on. Moving to our modern context, who’s going to serve the church fellowship meal? Host life group? Bring treats for VBS? 

Later in the Gospels, we see that Martha’s mealtime resentment that day was not indicative of her entire relationship with Jesus—perhaps she took seriously His admonition to consider what was truly important. When her brother Lazarus died, she was still the one to greet Jesus and even a little frustrated or confused when He finally arrived: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Her personality of “let’s get things done” hadn’t changed—but her faith in Jesus’ power and purpose had grown, as she stated, “But even now, I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (v. 22). 

If you’re a Martha personality, know that God loves you and He made you with your unique talents. But even as you’re making your to-do list, spend time in prayer, hearing from the Holy Spirit about what should be on that list. (News flash: Just because someone else thinks their priority should become yours, doesn’t mean it has to; ask God first!) Even while busy with important duties, we can “pray without ceasing,” breathing a quick prayer for God’s guidance. It’s not wrong to work hard, but as Jesus reminded Martha, we must choose what is important.