In a small village lived two sisters, Martha and Maria. Both loved Jesus very much. One day, Jesus came to her village and visited her. The sisters were overjoyed that Jesus was with them.
Martha was very eager and wanted to make everything perfect for Jesus. She ran back and forth, cooked, set the table and wanted to make sure that Jesus lacked nothing. She wanted everything to be neat and beautiful, because that showed how much she loved Jesus.
Mary, on the other hand, simply sat at Jesus’ feet. She listened attentively as He spoke and told many wonderful things about God and life. Mary wanted to enjoy every moment with Jesus and learn everything He had to say.
But while Martha was working so much, she became tired and a little angry. She saw Mary just sitting and listening happily, and Martha thought that was unfair. After all, she had so much to do!
Martha went to Jesus and said in a friendly but somewhat annoyed way: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister lets me work alone? Please tell her to help me!”
Jesus looked lovingly at Martha and said: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and have a lot of trouble with many things. But only one thing is really important. Mary has chosen the best, and that should not be taken away from her.”
Jesus said that it is more important to spend time with Him and listen to His words than to worry about too many other things. Jesus wanted Martha to know that He appreciated her effort, but that her heart could rest with Him.
Martha understood that Jesus’ presence was the most precious thing. She was happy that He was with them and learned to appreciate the quiet and peaceful time with Jesus as much as her sister Mary.
Message of history
God wants us to take the time to listen to Him and enjoy His closeness. This is much more important than worries and haste in everyday life.
Bible passage
The story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary is found in Luke 10:38-42:
“Now it came to pass, as they were traveling on, that he came to a village; and a woman named Martha took him into her house. And she had a sister named Mary, who also sat down at the feet of Jesus and listened to his word. Marta, however, took a great deal of trouble with the service; And she came up and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me alone to serve?” Tell her that she will help me! But Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; but one thing is necessary. Mary, however, has chosen the good part; that should not be taken away from her.”
