This month we’ve been exploring Biblical hospitality. What is it? How do we practice it? What if it’s not my gift? And this week: What if I’m a Martha?

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

This passage is often quoted in reference to those of us who get overly involved in our practice of hospitality. Are you a Martha? Do you enjoy hosting people in your home? Do the details ever give you great stress?

In the above passage, Martha is corrected by Jesus because she wanted to pull Mary away from Jesus. She needed help with the preparation for hosting Jesus and his disciples. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better way.

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