Jacob Chronicles for Kids: Volume 2, Issue 9

Mary Chose the Good Part

The Verse

But the Lord answered Martha and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

The Story

Martha's Side of the Story

The jasmine scent of lilies is in the air. Red and white roses are beginning to blossom on the hillside just outside our home in Bethany. It’s a beautiful spring day. I think I’ll move the oven to the courtyard and bake some bread.

There is much cleaning to do inside the house. I wish Mary would stop daydreaming and help once in a while. It’s certain we’ll receive visitors today. And we must always be prepared. Where is she anyway?

There’s a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” I call to Mary and Lazarus. “Jesus! So nice to see you. Please come in. There’s bread in the oven, and I was about to prepare some fish. Please sit down. Make yourself comfortable.”

The coals are hot on my face. I’m out here in the courtyard all by myself. The table isn’t even set. What is going on inside the house? Where's Mary?

I step inside the house and find Mary at Jesus feet. She’s left me to do all the work once again.

“Jesus, my Lord. I’m out here by myself preparing our meal while Mary is sitting here doing nothing. Won’t you please tell her to come help me?”

Mary's Side of the Story

It’s a lovely day for a walk. I can smell the jasmine scent of lilies. Red and white roses are beginning to blossom on the hillside. I think I’ll pick some flowers for our home. Now, where did Martha put the baskets, I wonder.

I arrive home with my basket full of white lilies and red and white roses. Jesus is sitting on the couch with Lazarus. I run to him and sit at His feet. There’s no time to put the flowers in water. Jesus is here!

He has come down from Capernaum. My eyes fill with tears at the thought of what is to come. I hear them talk in the village. If it isn’t the scribes tearing through here looking for Him, then it’s the Pharasees, or the high priests. They want to arrest him and hang him on a Roman cross. He has put Himself in danger coming here today.

I listen to His words. They are sweeter than the fragrant flowers beside me. More satisfying than the bread Martha is baking in the oven just outside the door. More life-giving than the water drawn from the well this morning.

Suddenly, Martha flings open the door. She looks upset about something.

“Jesus, my Lord. I’m out here by myself preparing our meal while Mary is sitting here doing nothing. Won’t you please tell her to come help me?”

Why is Martha always so angry? Doesn’t she understand? Jesus won’t be here long. Maybe she should slow down and spend time with Him. I wipe the tears from my eyes and wait for His answer.

But the Lord answered Martha and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Both Martha and Mary loved Jesus. And both had many strengths.

Martha was hospitable to her guests. She wanted to do what was right. And she was always willing to serve others. But Martha had her priorities out of order.

Mary was one of the few people who understood and accepted that Jesus would soon die on the cross. She worshiped and listened Jesus while He was still with her. And she anointed Jesus before He went to the cross. Mary had her priorities in order.

Are your priorities in order? Do you spend time worshiping and listening to Jesus before serving others? Or are you so busy serving that you have no time left to spend with Him? Remember what Jesus said: Mary chose the good part.

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