In a world buzzing with distractions, concentrating on one thing often becomes difficult. Multi-tasking and simultaneously handling many responsibilities have now become the norm of life. But the Bible talks about one woman who chose the right thing in the midst of life’s demands: Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha).
Luke 10:39-40: And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and … said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? … tell her to help me.”
Distracted and Drawn Away
In a culture where women traditionally prepared meals for guests, Martha’s plea for help was reasonable. However, the Bible clearly identifies the underlying problem: distraction. The Greek word for distraction is “periespato” which means “to be drawn away.” Though she initially welcomed Jesus into the house, her mind was eventually distracted and drawn away. Martha’s heart was lost in the baking of bread, while the Bread of Life himself was speaking with them!
Steadily At His Feet
Mary is consistently found at Jesus’ feet on three different occasions in the Gospels. In this quiet moment at her house, amidst grief over Lazarus’ death (John 11:32), or in an act of worship (John 12:3), she is consistently found at His feet.
Sitting at the feet of a teacher symbolized profound respect from the student to the teacher. Some things to note from Mary’s life:
Boldness: It is important to note that it was always men who were called by Rabbis for the role of a student. Women did not enjoy this privilege. But Mary took a bold step of taking the student posture because she recognized that she had Jesus the Messiah in her house and she wasn’t going to let norms, culture, or anything get in the way of having an encounter with Him.
- Focus: “Mary sat and heard His word.” The Greek word for heard is akouō which is used to describe hearing, understanding and responding. Mary was so focused on what the Master was saying that she chose to ignore every other thing that was demanding her attention.
Only One Thing
Luke 10:42: “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus did not address Martha’s request to get Mary to help her. Rather he focused her distracted heart. So what is that one thing that Mary chose? She chose give the Lord her whole heart, and prioritized nothing else over Him.
In Psalm 27 we see David is talking about an army coming against him, but his one desire is stated in verse 4: “One thing have I asked of the LORD … that I may dwell in the house of the LORD … to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.”
Life Application
In the midst of life’s demands, choose to give God primary focus, pushing away distractions. These days we too get drawn away by gadgets and material affluence. Let us start with the first step of kneeling in prayer. As we read the Bible, let us pause and think what the Lord wants to illuminate in our hearts. Like Mary, let us choose that one good thing: the Presence of God, and give Him the one and only thing He wants from us: our heart.
Dew Drops of Manna 
Life has so many distractions. Anytime I tried to fix my eyes on Jesus i would get distracted. I like what mary did. She sat close enough
(By his feet) to Jesus so other distractions did not get in the way.
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Thanks Finley!
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