Martha Syndrome Martha

While He was travelling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand."

The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-41

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. It is interesting that it was called Martha's home. Martha and Mary lived with their brother Lazarus, but he is not mentioned here. Martha must have been the eldest sister.

It was customary that the women waited on the men. In the normal sense of the word, Martha was not wrong in wanting her sister to help her. Yet Jesus' reply cut through to the real issue with Martha, she was anxious and troubled about many things. In other words, Martha was an uptight, anxious woman. However, Mary was the opposite. She probably was the type that would still be in her pyjamas and midday.

Growing up I was the eldest of six. In my teens mum had to work so I was the defacto mum. On Saturdays I would clean the kitchen floor, after sweeping, mop and then polish on hands and knees and buff with an electric polisher. When that as done I would cook lunch for the family and sweep and mop the outside verandah. My sister Beth would not lift a hand and in fact, although she was responsible for her bedroom, it was always dirty. You could imagine my feelings toward my sister, I thought she was a lazy bum. However, I enjoyed what I did and it was my role to do and I did not resent it.

My sister now is mistress of her own home, and it is not a mess. In fact she is inclined to be anxious about the state of her home and the care of visitors. Yet when big sister was around, she would lay around.

Mary loved Jesus and was keen to hear the words He spoke. She knew her sister would perform as she always did, and also knew that she did not want to be in the way of her tongue. When I am around women like Martha, I keep out of the way as well. I love peace.

Now, there is nothing more enjoyable than spending time alone with the Lord, and sitting at His feet. He is good, He is peace and rest and I want to drink my fill of Him.