LUKE 10:38-40

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!”

TO PONDER

We mostly live in an age and place of abundance in Australia, and yet mental health is in crisis.

In 2021, it was reported that 19% of Australians had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or another serious mental illness, epidemiologic evidence suggests that these mental health issues have risen dramatically over the past century.

A consensus for why this is the case has been difficult. Many experts attributing the rise in mental health issues to our modern lifestyle, including things like social media, the “need” to always be “connected”, competing for the curated “instalife” (Instagram), and “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out), all adding to a performance culture.  

In today’s verses we read a story of juxtaposition between two sisters, two friends of Jesus, Mary and Martha. Martha had invited Jesus into their home and then got busy preparing for guests while Mary sat at Jesus feet listening to what he said. When Martha realised she alone was doing all the preparation she became angry and demanded that Jesus tell Mary to get up and do something of value, to perform to at least help with the preparations.The answer Jesus gave probably surprised Martha when he said Mary was doing exactly what she should be doing, she was doing what was important.

Martha was too busy preparing for hospitality to actually be hospitable, she was too busy preparing for life instead of maybe living life.

This story reminds me of some of our Christmas experiences, when we spend so much time preparing for the perfect Christmas that we forget sharing the Christmas story is not a performance but rather an experience to take time out to enjoy with others.

This Christmas hear the reply Jesus gave to Martha, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (MSG) - The main course is to experience the true Christmas story.

PRAYER: Loving God, I say sorry for when I have turned Christmas into a performance, when I have stressed about making it happen instead of experiencing Christmas as a celebration of life, and grace. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside