Voices echoed off the walls and throughout the house as daylight faded to dusk and the first stars shimmered to life in the darkening sky. I imagine the clatter of cups and plates on the wooden table, the boisterous conversations and hearty laughs as bread and lives were shared freely. With warm hearts and full stomachs, each one leaned back satisfied. Then, as the sun sank low and the noise dwindled, Jesus began to teach.
Every eye in the room was fixed on his face. Some leaned in, others moved closer to hear. And Mary of Bethany—the woman who had opened her home to Jesus—sat intently at his feet, hanging on every word.
Mary's sister Martha, however, had quite a different experience that evening. She was so concerned about all the preparations that needed to be made to accommodate Jesus, she missed his invitation for intimacy.
She bustled about the house, serving and cleaning, all the while stewing in a mess of agitated, frenzied thoughts: Why is Mary just sitting there? Doesn't she realize how much still needs to be done? Where is everybody going to sleep? Certainly not on the floor! It hasn't been swept in a week! And who's going to help me with all these dishes?
Finally her frustration burst forth in resentful, accusing tones, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Jesus gently disagreed with Martha, saying that Mary had chosen "what is better".
It's easy to look at Martha, to hear her story and think we'd respond differently. But how often do we invite Jesus into our lives only to start racing around, trying to fix things up for him? Suddenly, we are worried and upset about many things. We become painfully aware of our shortcomings, and begin formulating our own to-do lists for God.
But what Jesus wants for us is not a life stressed-out and spread thin. What he desires—what is better—is a life flowing from intimacy with him. This can be as simple as turning off your phone, finding a quiet place free of distractions, and whispering the words, “Holy Spirit, come” as you rest for five minutes in his presence.
Jesus' invitation for intimacy extends to each of us; all we have to do is accept it! As we seek his presence above all else, he changes us from the inside-out. And when we drop everything to sit at his feet and listen, we embark on the journey of becoming whole.
Reflection Questions
- Think about what intimacy with Jesus looks like for you. Take a moment to write down the places or moments when you feel closest to God, and intentionally cultivate one of those moments this week.
- What distracts you from God’s presence the most? Is it television? Social media? Maybe it’s unfinished household chores, or tasks you bring home with you from work. Identify these worries and distractions and give them to God in prayer, “casting all your care on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).