In Luke 10:38-42, two sisters are briefly mentioned, Martha and Mary. Just who were they? Their names pretty much ring a bell with most of us. Our first thought of them is usually connected with their brother (Lazarus) and his death, burial and resurrection by Jesus. Compared to many women of the Bible, these sisters are not well-mentioned, yet they seem to stick in our memory like glue.
These sisters were just like you and me, having their strengths and weaknesses, but their love and devotion to Jesus was unquestioned. They were continually transformed, bringing glory to their Savior through thick and thin. Wow, that should be you and me.
Let’s join hands and walk with Jesus and his disciples on those hot, humid and dusty roads toward Bethany. The village was typical middle class with its residents living a normal day-to-day existence.
In that village stood the house of Martha. Mary lived there too, but no one is sure of their arrangement. Luke’s gospel doesn’t give us any further details — just that it was Martha’s house. Early Jewish culture would support such an arrangement. In those days most women married as teens. Being single adults, for whatever reason, it would be considered normal for them to live under the same roof for mutual support and protection.
As we continue to walk with Jesus, our strength is waning, our clothes are quite drenched in perspiration from the intense heat and oppressive humidity, the dust clinging to our skin and clothing. And, of course, let’s not forget those annoying sand pebbles that get in our open sandals. But, this was the normal life of the people in that region. We don’t have any modern-day hiking shoes, air-conditioned transportation, yummy trail mix, a bottle of ice water, deodorant (yikes), shade umbrellas or sunglasses. Aren’t we glad Martha opened her home to Jesus so that all of us could get out of that miserable pounding sun?
While most people had common, small and humble homes, Martha must have had a larger one for she had the ability to house her guests in sheltered shade, offer food, drink, much-needed rest and care for their feet. We would certainly enjoy that after such a walk, huh?
Jewish culture strongly required hospitality for all visitors, including travelers. To fail in doing so would tarnish the reputations of Martha and Mary, their identity as women of religion would be shamed; they would even be shunned by the entire village for months.
From childhood, the eldest daughter was devoutly trained in the hospitality of all guests and sojourners at their door. It was constant and quite demanding that a young daughter would be given this training and required responsibility. If some assistance was needed, the younger sister was required to pitch in with some of the demands. The disciplined training would develop quick thinking, precisioned action and a take-charge mindset, giving orders if needed. Such a daughter couldn’t be in five places at the same time. Some theologians say the eldest daughter was the undisputed decision-making “boss” of the house. That was Martha’s responsibility. Such fun, huh?
So, Martha immediately sprang into action with cooking, seating, cleaning, caring for worn and dirty feet, and entertaining. Of course Mary would be expected to chip in with such a demand, but she didn’t. To her, this wasn’t her top priority, caring for Jesus and all the others, but that didn’t sit well with Martha. Jesus, his disciples, with us included, required all-out hospitality by yesterday.
Mary, however, saw the greatest need was that of listening to Jesus, to fully know the Son of God, listening to his every word. She must have sensed that Jesus didn’t personify the chains of weighty religion. You see, their religious culture harnessed women with certain limits in life. It was rare for any woman to be educated; most couldn’t even read or write. Few were allowed to work outside the home, and they even had to sit in the back for worship at the synagogue.
So, with us observing close by, we see Mary do the unthinkable, refuse any longer the bondage of limits being forced upon her and Jewish women. She sheepishly, and with fear, started to move toward Jesus with every eye focused on her.
This must have been directed by the Holy Spirit, and Mary rightfully responded. How many times does the Holy Spirit tug at our hearts and we don’t respond in kind because it might seem a challenge that we are uneasy with? I’m guilty as charged, too.
Mary made it to the very front with the disciples seated about her. Listening could alleviate her of many doubts, past hurts and give her a feeling of full acceptance from God. She disturbed all by taking her seat at the very front. Jaws of self-righteous indignation must have dropped to the floor, all expecting Jesus to send her back to her “place.” But, he welcomed her and brought forth that which all needed to hear and understand; their every question would be answered. Imagine one question being, “Why is she up here and not behind us?” What is interesting is that the Greek word “sat” meant “to sit beside one.” She not only went to the very front, she positioned herself at his side. That must have stunned all in the house.
Mary wasn’t trying to make a statement; she just wanted to fully listen her coming Savior. Don’t we all want that in our heart of hearts? It’s quite interesting, that word “listen” when broken down was eye-opening, “to acutely hear, to fully understand what is said, to stretch one’s ear forward.” So, she sat beside Jesus and cupped her ear forward to hear every word spoken by Jesus. What an example for us to follow.
Well, printing space has nearly run out, so I will continue at a later time with another segment on these two sisters. Until then, may we all hear our Lord with stretched forth ears and glean all that he has for us. God bless all of you.
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