Day 3: Learning from Martha’s Stress

“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 ESV

• What was Martha’s primary concern when Jesus visited their home?
• How did Jesus respond to Martha’s request for help?
• What was the “better choice” that Mary made, according to Jesus?
• How can you relate to Martha’s struggle in your own life?
• What does Jesus’s response to Martha teach you about priorities in your spiritual life?
• What changes can you make to ensure your busyness doesn’t distract you from your relationship with Jesus?

Pray

Confess to God the times when you, like Martha, have allowed stress and busyness to distract you from Him. Ask Him for the grace to choose the better part, like Mary, even when life gets busy. Pray for a heart that seeks Him first, above all tasks and responsibilities.