Two Sisters

Two Sisters

Q: Jesus was friends with sisters whose names were

• a. Lydia and Dorcas.
• b. Mary and Martha.
• c. Rachel and Leah.

If you have siblings, are you like them, or are each of you different? There were two sisters in Jesus’ time who were different from each other, and this caused problems when Jesus visited.

When Jesus traveled, he visited Mary, Martha, and their brother, Lazarus, in their home. One day when Jesus stopped by, Martha was preparing a big dinner for him while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him. Martha was unhappy about getting left with all the work.

“Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me,” Martha complained.

Jesus didn’t give Martha the answer she wanted to hear. “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus wasn’t telling Martha that making a meal isn’t important. He just knew that he wouldn’t be around much longer, and he’d rather have Martha spend the time with him. In Martha’s desire to serve Jesus, she neglected to spend time with him.

Collecting food for a local food bank, serving a meal at the homeless shelter, doing lawn work for the elderly, and visiting the sick are all good, but those things shouldn’t take away from our time with God. Our good deeds are a result of that time with him.

For You

Mary was a worshiper. She spent time with Jesus. Martha was a doer. She kept busy working for Jesus. Both of those are good, but worship is the more important of the two. Spend time with God each day. Do good things for others, but don’t let that take away from your daily time with the Lord.

Answer: b

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.   Luke 10:38-39

(The Whole Story: Luke 10:38-42)