Martha fixed a banquet—
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet.
One hungered for spiritual food—
One prepared earthly meat.
Martha complained to Jesus:
“Mary hasn’t done her share
To help me with this meal.
Tell her to help me prepare.”
Jesus said to Martha:
“You worry about worldly things.
Mary has chosen wisely
And to My words she clings.”
Martha came to meet Him—
Mary stayed at home.
“My brother wouldn’t have died
Lord, if You had come.”
“I know that God will give You
Whatever You ask of Him.”
Jesus said to Martha:
“Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said: ”I know, Lord
On the last day he shall rise.”
He said: “Whoever believes in Me
Lives and never dies.”
Martha’s faith was tested
She made confession bold:
“Lord, I believe You are the Christ,
Son of God, come to the world.”
Martha called her sister:
“The Teacher asks for you.”
Mary fell at Jesus’ feet
To pay Him homage due.
“Lord, if You had been here
My brother wouldn’t be dead.”
Was this not the same thing
That Martha to Jesus said?
Martha worried about the smell—
A practical, worldly care.
Lazarus came from his grave
And found them standing there.
A Mary or a Martha
Which one’s most like me?
Do I listen to His Word
Or the kitchen oversee?
Our Lord loved Mary and Martha—
He loved them equally.
Each had faith in Jesus
But lived it differently.
Painting: “Christ with Mary and Martha” by Heinrich Hofmann, 1888
Copyright © by Jan Lutz | 0 comments
