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“I need to do it all.” -Martha
“I only need to give Jesus my all.” -Mary (read Luke 10:38–42)
Martha looks at the dirty dishes scattered across the counter and shakes her head. The smell of something burning prompts her to rescue the bread just in time. She notices a dust bunny hiding in the corner and quickly swats at it in hopes it will drift out of sight. What a busy day! Where is my sister?
A feminine voice drifts her way from the conversation, and she can hardly believe her ears. Is that Mary? She leans around the doorway and sees her sister sitting at the feet of Jesus. It’s yet another frustration in a long, hectic day, and Martha finally snaps. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40).
I can so relate to the first phrase Martha utters: “Lord, don’t you care?” It gives us such insight into her heart, into our hearts. So many times we believe “I need to do it all,” because if we can, then surely someone will care. We will be loved. We will be noticed. And maybe the restlessness deep inside will subside.
I hear deep compassion and a tender invitation in Jesus’ response. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42).
Jesus acknowledges Martha’s feelings: “You are worried and upset.” Then He releases her from her endless to-do list: “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.”
And He closes with a cure for Martha’s insecurity: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Isn’t so much of our striving so that something won’t be taken from us? Affection, reputation, relationships or affirmation. Jesus subtly reminds Martha that only He can offer the security her heart longs for most. And she doesn’t even have to earn it.
This world will wear us out. The enemy of our souls would love to see us distracted by anything “good” that’s not God’s best. The people around us will always have expectations and demands. It’s up to us to make a different, better choice. Both Mary and Martha served Jesus. But on this day only Mary enjoyed Him.
I don’t think this story is really about the specific actions of these two women; it’s about the attitudes behind their choices. Even our work can be an act of worship. That means the solution to the pressure we feel to “do it all” isn’t simply doing less.
Instead it’s grasping even more how much we’re already loved. That’s what keeps our hearts at the feet of Jesus wherever we are, whatever He may ask us to do.
XOXO,
Holley
P.S. This post is an excerpt from my new devotional, Do You Know You’re Already Amazing?. It released last week! Inside the devotional are thirty truths from God’s Word, and each one will help set your heart free to become all God created you to be. If you’re looking for practical application, personal transformation, and encouragement along the way — this book is for you, friend.
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