Are You Frazzled by Being Too Busy Today?

N.T.#562 "Are You Frazzled by Being Too Busy Today?"

June 2, 2025 

Luke 10-Part 7  

LET IT GLOW

It is only 3 weeks before our VBS starts. I can let it frazzle me or I can enjoy the time spent serving the King. Basically, everything is ready, so I can relax at our family reunion later in the week. I'm taking my Bible with me, though. Martha had a problem that frazzled her. Read on to see what it was and how Jesus solved it for her.

So far in this chapter, we have read about the 70 who went out witnessing, the lawyer asking how to get eternal life, and now we sit down at the home of sisters Mary and Martha for another lesson by Jesus. The lawyer learned from a parable how to treat others like you want to be treated. (The Golden Rule) I wonder if he had a change of heart. 

There are two good principles to live by according to Charles Swindoll:

• What you are determines what you see, and what you see determines what you do.
• People will not care how much we know until they know how much we care.

Come sit with me as we observe what is taking place at M and M's house:

• Martha received Jesus into her home in Bethany (2 miles northeast of Jerusalem). 
• Apparently, Jesus had often stopped in for a visit with Marha, Mary, and Lazarus when in the vicinity. It seems He considered them family.
• Jesus and His disciples were comfortable there. We don't know how many were in this company, but enough to put Martha in a frazzle.
• Martha's problem was her paying more attention to meal preparations for her guests that she stopped paying attention to The Guest.
• Was Martha a perfectionist? Did she feel abandoned by her sister? Was her feeling overwhelmed justifiable?
• Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching.
• Martha expected the Lord to rebuke Mary for not helping her sister with the meal, but He did not do so. 
• Martha was cumbered about with much serving and questioned Jesus, Lord, doest thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. (verse 40)

Cumbered means to drag all around; to distract (with care). 

Martha must have been dragging around resentment, self-pity, and perfectionism far too long toward her sister Mary. It came out here for all to hear. Sure Mary could have pitched in to help her sister in the kitchen. Martha was distracted about minute things. 

Just give them a sandwich, girl. Get out of the kitchen and listen to what the Savior has to say. He wasn't going to be around much longer. That's my thinking, though. Jesus was kinder.

LET IT GROW

Martha's dispute backfired on her. Rather than affirming Martha for her sacrificial service, she heard a mild rebuke. Jesus was showing compassion by expressing the doubling of her name. Martha had a sincere desire to serve others, but she was worried about it and that led to her being upset. Everyone in the room was with Jesus, except for Martha. 

On the other hand, Jesus praised Mary for her example. She had chosen the good part of Jesus' unexpected visit, the part that cannot be taken away. Instead of temporal things to focus on, Mary focused on eternal things. She ignored trivial matters to listen to the teaching of Christ on the kingdom of God. 

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (verse 42)

What is the good part? A relationship with the King Jesus Christ. We don't obey the Law to become His citizens. We obey the King because we are His citizens. It is out of love we serve, follow, obey, sacrifice, give, and do for our King. How wonderful it that He even accepts us.

Be careful to spend time with Jesus. So many things keep us busy, but He will determine what is important for us to do. So go to the King and ask Him what He wants us to do today for His glory and kingdom work.

LET IT GO

When Jesus interrupts our plans, it is for a good cause.

Listen to the King and obey Him.

Watch Jesus work through us and experience joy in serving Him.