At the Lord’s feet

“…but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
Sending the seventy two disciples on mission, Jesus instructed them to go from village to village and proclaim God’s kingdom by word and deed.
One of the instructions regarding their MO was, “When you enter a house first say, “Peace to this house…” (v.5, 6).
It appears that one of the houses Jesus and his disciples were welcomed was Martha’s house. The village where Martha opened her home to Him was Bethany, a few miles east of Jerusalem.
Jesus stayed in Bethany during His final week on earth.
The Bible tells us that there were (at least) three people living in that house: Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:1–12:8).
Martha being the “lady of the house”.
We read that hospitality makes it possible to entertain angels (Hebrews 13:2).
On that particular day, the house filled up very quickly: thirteen tired and hungry men. This time one of the guests was God’s very Son – God’s (promised) Messiah.
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening (Luke 10:39). Martha was busy with the preparations (Luke 10:40).
Mary was taking in Jesus’ words, completely unaware of their guests and their needs. While her act of listening to Jesus’ words is commendable, we have to admit that it wasn’t fair for Martha. Thirteen tired and hungry men need quite a lot of care and food – she asked Jesus for help.
On the surface, Jesus’ answer put Martha in an uncomfortable position: Mary has chosen “what was needed”. What was that? Food for the soul.
A great opportunity was there: Jesus and his disciples…the Word.
When an opportunity arises, choose what is needed…what is better…feast on the Word.