What Was Better

I’ve heard the story of Mary and Martha so many times. Haven’t you?

Usually, it’s taught like this: don’t be like Martha, be like Mary.

But reading it again, something stood out to me this time.

Jesus didn’t actually say that. He wasn’t like, “Hey, Martha. Be like Mary.”

In the Gospel of Luke 10:42, He says: “Mary has chosen what is better…”

Don’t you see? Mary chose.

Chosen.

That word changes everything. Because it shows that Martha had the same choice. Martha wasn’t forced to be busy. She wasn’t stuck in the kitchen with no other option. She chose to be there.

And I think that’s what gets me.

Because if I’m being honest… I do the same thing.

I fill my time. I take on responsibilities. I show up and serve, even when my heart isn’t fully in it. And then I feel overwhelmed.

Not because I had no choice… but because I didn’t choose what was better.

And you know something else?

Even when Martha chose her way… even when she chose to be busy… she still went to Jesus anyway.

I never really realized that before.

What I love about Martha is that she didn’t hide how she felt. She went straight to Jesus and basically said, “Don’t you care?”

That’s a bold thing to say. And it wasn’t even right. Because of course He cared.

But she still brought it to Him.

She didn’t pretend. She didn’t bottle it up. She went to Him with her frustration, even though her perspective was off.

And the beautiful thing? Jesus didn’t shut her down.

He responded with, “Martha, Martha…”

There’s so much tenderness in that.

He didn’t shame her. He didn’t tell her to stop serving. He didn’t compare her to Mary in a harsh way.

He just revealed something: There was something better available. And Mary chose it.

This isn’t about being a “Mary” or a “Martha.” That’s not what I’m taking away from this biblical account. Not this time.

It’s about what we choose. How we respond in what we choose.

Martha wasn’t wrong for serving. Serving matters. It’s needed.

But she let it take priority over sitting with Jesus.

And I think sometimes I do that too, if I’m being honest.

I stay busy. I stay productive. I do things that look good… even godly.

But I skip the part where I just sit with Him.

Because I become too busy, even though I really don’t have to be.

What gets me the most is this: Jesus didn’t command Martha to change. He invited her to see.

She had access to the same closeness Mary did. She just didn’t choose it in that moment.

I think lately, I’ve felt a little like Martha.

Doing. Serving. Showing up.

But not always sitting. Not always choosing what’s better.

Can you relate?

Maybe that’s what Jesus is gently reminding me of. Reminding you of.

Not in a harsh way. Not in a condemning way.

But in a quiet, loving way.

So let’s not be afraid to bring it all to Jesus.
Even when we’re overwhelmed. Even when we don’t have it quite right. Even when we’ve chosen a different way.

He will guide us gently, with love and care.
That, we can trust.

~~*~~

Jesus,
I don’t want to just serve You. I want to be with You.
Help me to choose what is better, even when I feel busy, distracted, or overwhelmed.
And when I come to You with the wrong perspective, thank You for meeting me with gentleness instead of rejection.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.