Monday, December 13, 2021

One Thing Is Needful

 

Illustrated by Norma A. Boeckler

KJV Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

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GJ - This is so true to life that it seems like a home movie today. Martha was not only burdened with lots of work to do, but also told Jesus to order her sister to help. Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, you are full of care and anxious about many things. One thing is essential, and Mary has chosen that one thing, which will never be taken away from her."

Jesus was with His good friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. He knew that his final trip would be at the funeral of Lazarus. As John's Gospel reveals, it was not really a happy event when Jesus raised His friend from the dead. The raising of an influential and well known man precipitated the arrest, torture, and crucifixion of Christ. He raised others from the dead, but Lazarus was a celebrity who lived a short distance from Jerusalem. The impact was even greater as Jesus took a train of witnesses to Jerusalem and was met by another crowd coming out to greet Him as the Son of David, Messiah, Son of God.

Jesus knew this earlier visit was more important than having everything cleaned and provisioned. Their earthly time together was short - He knew too well. The work done was not significant. Listening to His Word was essential.

We never know when it is the last visit, the last phone call, the last email, the last chance to say something that belongs to eternity. I remind Old Testament students that Jesus' disciples scolded Him for praying when they had so much work to do. One student said, "I never read THAT in the Bible." No, he did not see or remember it.

KJV Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

 Mark 7