In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is again accused of not caring.
This time, it is not the seemingly life and death situation we saw last week in Mark 4:35-41. Rather, it involved having company over. (Luke 10:38-42) Martha welcomed Jesus into her house and proceeded to be distracted, or literally “dragged all around” with much serving. She noticed that her sister Mary had left helping and was merely sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His word. It is at this point that Martha hurls her accusation at Jesus, followed by a command: Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.
There are only eight times that I am aware of in Scripture where Jesus addresses someone by calling their name twice. (That’s a fascinating study in itself!) This is one of those eight. He said, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.He was pointing out a significant problem in her life and indicating her need for change. He then proceeded to contrast her attitudes with those of her sister, and then actually commend her sister! Yes, that’s right, the one that Martha was condemning! He explained, But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. Jesus cared so much about Martha that he was willing to confront her head on with her problem in a loving way. I suspect we have all seen how Jesus does that to us. Praise His name!
This hymn helps underscore this lesson of basking in the presence of our Lord and listening diligently to Him:
“A Passion For Thee” – Words and music by Joe Zichterman
Set my heart, O dear Father,
On Thee, and Thee only,
Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.
Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,
Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.
Chorus: A passion for Thee;
O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord, Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.
Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,
Let love for Christ every motive inspire,
Teach me to follow in selfless submission,
Be Thou my joy and my soul’s one desire.