Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha presents two approaches to life. The choice is not necessarily between sinful and righteous, nor between wise and foolish. It is a choice about how to live in a world of demands, troubles, and stress. One approach begins with spiritual focus, the other begins with worldly focus. It’s the difference between starting with the Lord and then moving into life, verses starting with life and then seeking the Lord. Mary focused on the Lord as the way to prepare for the task. Martha focused on the task as the way to serve the Lord. Jesus commended Mary for being focused on “the one necessary thing”– connecting with Jesus in all of life.
