July 17, 2016

“Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

“Wow. It is difficult for us to grasp how revolutionary is this change in the traditional roles of women. It is one thing to affirm that Mary has chosen the better part. It is quite another to affirm that it won’t be taken away from her. After all, people can always sin and make bad choices – even if those choices are for the “better part” – if such a choice has been forbidden. (Remember Adam and Eve.) But Jesus affirms Mary and her choice. The “Mary’s” in the congregation may feel satisfied with the lesson, but it feels unfinished to me. Since Jesus is travelling with his disciples, it is likely that the meal is for Jesus and his followers. Has Jesus – or any of the commentators and preachers on this text – ever actually prepared a meal for 15 or 20 people? Go ahead. Try doing that without being worried and distracted by many things! Can’t be done. I’m surprised Martha didn’t dump a pot of soup over Jesus’ head: “Here Mr. Jesus Holier Than Thou Christ. Find that one thing distracting? Try getting this supper ready without worrying.”

Jesus’ response to Martha is surprising because it is so unlike his responses to almost all the other women he encounters: the Samaritan women at the well (John 4:5-42), the bent over woman (Luke 13:10-17), the woman who touches the hem of his robe (Matthew 9:20-22), the woman who anoints his feet with oil (Luke 7:36–8:3), etc. His response here to Mary is exactly how Jesus is portrayed elsewhere – he meets and treats women as people, as worthy of respect, and as equal with men. His response to Martha is also surprising because Martha addresses Jesus in very intimate terms, “Lord, do you not care?” (Recall that this is how the disciples in the boat approach Jesus as he sleeps through the storm that is threatening to sink them, Mark 4:38.) His response just does not seem fair. Does he not care? Does he not realize how many things have to be done in a very precise and timely way in order to get their supper ready? Has he left his God-sized heart and brains at the door?
Instead of chastising Martha, he could have sent Mary back to the kitchen. But that would have been an even worse response for women. Unlike every other encounter he has had with women, that response would have confirmed women in their traditional roles. What if Jesus had said, “You are right Martha. There are many things to worry about to get supper ready.” And turning to his disciples, had said, “Pick up your brooms and follow me,” and had led his disciples into the kitchen to help get supper ready! And then served. And then cleaned up. And then had everyone sit at his feet and listen to what he was saying. Now THAT would have been a truly radical response.” (David Ewart, http://www.holtextures.com)
“Pick up your brooms and follow me.” That would have been a radical response for Jesus to make in this situation, but he did not go that far. But, he did confirm both roles – those who chose to “do” have chosen well, and those who chose to “sit still and listening” have chosen well. But in both situations, those who “chose” were women. This is the radical nature of Jesus’ response. He confirms women who choose the traditional woman’s role, and those women who choose the traditional male’s role. And that seems to be the point, at least as far as I am concerned. When it comes to serving there should be no barriers – male or female, old or young, all are called to serve. And, when it comes to listening at the feet of Jesus, there also should be no barriers.

In your busy lives, I pray that you find time to do both – find time and opportunities to serve, and find time and opportunities to listen to Jesus. Both are good – and necessary.

Pastor Dave