Serving Like Mary and Martha

At our Wednesday night Women’s Bible Study — picture about fifty women, Bibles open, our cups and mugs in hand — we talked about spiritual gifts.

Some of us are encouragers. Some are intercessors. Some are prayer warriors. And then there are those who, like Mary, have the gift of simply sitting at Jesus’ feet and soaking in His presence.

But forgive me — I think Martha gets a bad rap. Scripture often paints her as the frazzled hostess who missed the moment while Mary sat wide-eyed at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:38-42).

But let’s be honest — if Jesus showed up at our house, most of us would grab the broom, light the candles, and whip out our best casserole. Can we blame Martha for wanting the house to smell like fresh bread instead of last night’s leftovers?

Mary chose the “better” thing that day — to listen and learn. But Martha’s serving was born out of love too. Sometimes the best way to worship is to cook a meal, set a table, or create space for others to encounter Christ. Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is wipe counters, pour coffee, and offer a warm welcome.

Jesus didn’t scold Martha for serving. He gently reminded her not to be worried and upset about many things. (Luke 10:41). The issue wasn’t her service; it was her stress. Her love was right — her pace was just frantic.

The truth is, the church needs both Marys and Marthas. We need those who sit quietly in prayer and those who roll up their sleeves to make ministry happen. Sometimes we’re Mary, resting and listening. Sometimes we’re Martha, hustling with joy. Both can honor Jesus when our hearts are tuned to Him.

Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Whether that’s cooking for the crowd, teaching children, praying behind the scenes, or quietly listening — if we do it in love for Him, it’s worship.

So, let’s not compare or compete. Let’s serve and sit. Let’s pray and pour coffee or tea. Let’s be Mary and Martha — loving Jesus with our hands and with our hearts. It’s all worship when it’s done for Jesus!

#ServeWithLove #MaryAndMartha