“The Seeking and Serving Disciple”
Luke 10:25-42
But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me. – Luke 4:40
This is a familiar passage that is the root of that, “Don’t be a Martha” saying. But that needs to be clarified because the Bible clearly teaches that serving is a vital part of being a disciple. We even discussed this in the prior section when Jesus said, “the harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few” [Lk 10:2]. Just the mere fact that Jesus was called the “Servant-King,” underscores the importance of serving as a follower of Christ.
It is key, though, to notice that Martha “was distracted” with her serving. This gives insight into Jesus’ correction. When the focus on serving the Lord detracts from the Lord Himself [and puts the focus on your “self”] then that is a problem.
Notice that Jesus did not tell Martha not to serve; only to make Him the priority. “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part” [Lk 4:42]. “That good part” is the priority, which is the sitting at Jesus’ feet. It is the seeking that precedes the serving that puts the serving on target. Serving without seeking ends in burn out, and the result is to stop serving.
Do you know anyone like that? This might even be you? If so, then I would suggest taking a break from serving and doing “that good part” of seeking.
But I need to warn you, as you seek Jesus you will not be able to not serve Him [and others]. You see, the two go hand-in-hand. Seeking and sitting is the catalyst for serving.
Remember the context of our passage. Jesus is focusing more on pouring into His disciples, and disciples serve. But their service must be fueled by His presence, which is “that good part” that Mary was seeking.
