Mary and Martha – resentment can hinder friendship

Xanthe Galanis

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Luke 10:38-40

The story of Mary and Martha is a familiar one; the two women who responded differently to Jesus. Both sisters were friends of Jesus. He came to their home. They shared meals together. They talked together.

On this particular day though, Martha lost it. We are told it was her home, so it is likely she was the elder sister. She shouldered the responsibility of making sure everything was arranged and she would have been shamed in her community if the hospitality were not up to scratch. Luke tells us she was distracted, so we get the feeling she would far rather be listening to Jesus, but someone had to make sure everyone ate! Besides, her reputation was at stake. I can imagine Martha growing more and more resentful as she stood over a steaming pot. Eventually she snapped. It's worth noting how she words her complaint: "Don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work alone? Tell her to help me."

Instead of seeking to please Jesus in the service of others, it's easy to slip into pleasing ourselves, looking for praise and acknowledgment. If we don't get it, it's not long before God himself becomes the target for our resentment. We begin to question whether he really does care and why he hasn't acted to help us out in the way we want. And that hinders our friendships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when serving you has become more about serving me. Thank you that, despite this, you remain my ever-loving friend. Amen.