Mom: Both Mary and Martha

Larry Ray Hafley

Luke 10:38-42 gives us that gentlest and mildest rebuke found anywhere in Scripture. With folks to feed, Martha was busy with table toil. She asked Jesus to encourage Mary to help her serve. The Lord replied that Mary had chosen the proper course, hearing his word.

No, the Lord was not denying the need for the cares of the kitchen. Indeed, the fact that he was a guest showed that some attention essential to human needs would be given to him. Jesus simply pointed out what was most important, "For man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Cf. Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:27).

My life has been blessed with a mother who emulated both Mary and Martha. She was always "cumbered about with much serving," but she also was always first to sit at Jesus' feet and hear his word! I trust it is true of all you mothers of Israel. You have to "guide the house," to look well "to the ways of (your) household" (Prov. 31:28; 1 Tim. 5:14). Obviously, you cannot do this and eat "the bread of idleness." Sadly, many families today are not allowed the happy privilege of eating together in a loving home. Many children come home and fend for themselves at meal time. Distant and delinquent children are part of the harvest of corporate motherhood and cold, impersonal kiddie corrals called "day care centers."

Good moms, while "cumbered about with much serving," in their home, still find time to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear his word. No praise we can give them is equal to the honor they deserve and which, someday, before God, they shall receive! Thank you, Mom, for being both Mary and Martha!