The One Thing You Need

One Thing You Need

Luke 10:38-42 (KJV) ³⁸ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: ⁴² But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Here nestled in Scripture is the story of Jesus visit to the home of Martha in Bethany.  Bethany is the village on the side of the Mt. of Olives where Lazarus had died, was buried, and brought back to life by Jesus.  The Mount of Olives is the sight of the ascension of Jesus and where He will return. 

Martha, Mary and Lazarus were siblings who lived here in Bethany.  All were disciples of the Lord and at one time or another had "sat as His feet".  This day as Jesus arrived, Martha immediately began to prepare to meet and exceed the needs of her deified guest.  I can only imagine the great lengths we at the Shenenberger home would go to if Jesus were our guest.  Certainly Martha desired the very best for her Lord. 

The unusual thing is not Martha being overwhelmed in preparation for her guest (we all would be), but that her sister Mary would so casually forsake all to simply sit at Jesus feet.  Martha reaction is totally human as all of us would wonder why she was left doing all of the work while her sister simply sat with the other disciples at the feet of Jesus. 

Jesus answer to Martha's question concerning Mary reveals a great truth all would be wise to emulate.  Jesus proclaims that what Mary did was "needful".  It was vital, important, and necessary.  It reveals a grand truth.

WE NEED JESUS!  We need to place as our top priority our relationship with Him.  What Jesus is instructing Martha to do is to slow down, sit down, and listen up. 

My friend, the same admonition given by Jesus to Martha applies in our busied world today.  We need Jesus!  We need time spent at his feet.  We need time in His Word.  We need time in His church.  We need time in conversation with Him. 

How much do you value your relationship with Christ?  Is your relationship with Christ growing, thriving, alive and dynamic?  It can be.  Make it a top priority today.  Make it the One Thing You Need!