“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 ESV

Mary and Martha, the two sisters of Lazarus from Bethany—Lazarus being a very close friend of Jesus—welcomed Him into their home. When Jesus was invited to their house, it was a joyful celebration for them. Martha, known for her hospitality, was busy moving around, preparing food, and cooking. She wanted to impress Jesus and make Him feel special. She gave her very best through physical effort, serving with all her heart and joyfully performing her duties.
On the other hand, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, gazing at His beauty and eagerly listening to His words. Martha became frustrated and complained to Jesus, saying that Mary was doing nothing but sitting there. She even asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.
But Jesus gently answered Martha, pointing out that she was anxious and worried about many things, while Mary had chosen the better part—one that would not be taken away from her. Jesus acknowledged that what Mary chose was greater than what Martha was doing. Martha wanted to give her best to Jesus, but Mary wanted to receive the best from Him.
Jesus showed that Martha was caught up in worldly activities, while Mary laid aside distractions to enjoy His presence. Mary understood that this moment was precious—every minute spent at His feet was worth more than anything else.
God desires the same from us. Honoring and serving Him through actions is good, but what He truly longs for is our heart and our devotion. The Bible reminds us that God does not ultimately delight in sacrifices or offerings but in a heart fully surrendered to Him.
Anything that takes us away from devotion is a mere distraction. Serving God with all our strength can bring us joy, but being still and worshiping Jesus will give us peace.
When we are busy with God’s outward service, we are working for Him, but when we seek Jesus, we are communing with Him. The Bible says it is better to listen than to speak. Listening is a complete surrender of oneself, honoring the presence of someone greater. It shows respect for the one speaking and a willingness to receive. Above all, when Jesus is speaking, it is like drinking wisdom directly from the source itself.
King David beautifully declared:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 ESV
David, though he was a mighty king with wealth, strength, and wisdom, knew that nothing compared to the presence of God.
The world and its cares often leave us anxious, fearful, and uncertain. But when our focus shifts to God, His Word strengthens us, His love drives out fear, and His fellowship fills every lack. The enemy constantly seeks to distract us from focusing on God, but we must examine our lives, remove worldly distractions, and devote time to fellowship with Him.
Balance your life—serve God, but also sit at His feet and seek His presence. This is the “good portion” that God acknowledges, and it will never be taken away from you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to lay aside my distractions and worries, and choose the better portion—time in Your presence. May my heart always delight in Your Word, and may I never lose the peace and fullness that comes from Your presence. Amen.
