Daily devotional · January 29
Sitting at His Feet
“As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.””
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and busied herself with preparations, while her sister Mary sat at His feet and listened. Martha, frustrated, asked Jesus to tell Mary to help. His answer was tender: Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better. Jesus does not scold Martha for serving. Hospitality is good, and other passages honor it. He names her distraction and anxiety, and He gently protects Mary's choice to listen. The lesson is about order, not about ranking types of people. We can serve God so busily that we forget to be with Him. Today, before you begin your list, give ten minutes to sitting quietly with a short passage, and ask Jesus what He wants to say to you. Let the tasks wait that long; they will still be there.
Prayer
Jesus, help me choose the better part today. Slow me down to sit and listen to You. Amen.