The Host with the Most: Luke 10:38-42 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

³⁸Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; ⁴²there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Supper by Tim Samoff on flickr. CC BY-ND 2.0

My grandmother had a cardinal rule: when I visited her home, I could not leave on an empty stomach. Every single visit included a full-course meal, capped off with a slice of pie or cake with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Then she would send me home with bags full of leftovers and a trunkload of groceries she bought, just for me. She truly was the “hostess with the most-est!”

Two weeks ago, I visited her in the memory care facility she moved into late this spring. I noticed that she was anxious during my visit. The reason why: I hadn’t eaten yet. She was put at ease when I joined her in the dining room for dinner.

Hospitality was her gift—and spiritual gifts don’t go away with age.

Martha from today’s Gospel possessed this spiritual gift. It’s because of Grandma that am seeing Martha in a whole new light.

Martha was busy doing what had to be done. She and her sister Mary were hosting Jesus—a Jewish rabbi and his disciples—which demanded far more than just the good placemats. This was a big job and a big deal. But Mary was conversing with the guest she was supposed to be serving. Martha had every right to be upset. It wasn’t right for her to serve all thirteen guests by herself.

What we see in this short story is something we see all the time—in workplaces, among families, in organizations, and even right here in church: a small number of persons are running ragged, trying to do everything that needs to be done—while others are content to sit by and let them do it. We need a lot more Marthas in the church—male and female, young and old. Without Marthas, the church would not exist.

I don’t hear Jesus condemning Martha. She has not sinned. Jesus is stating a simple fact: “you are worried and distracted by many things.” That sounds like my life, too. How about you?

People have expectations of you. They’re counting on you to do your job; to take care of them; to be there when they need you. There are few words that hurt more, coming from the mouth of someone you love, than “you let me down.”

You have expectations of yourself. You must be a good Christian; a good spouse, a good parent, a good worker, a good citizen.

If all that isn’t difficult enough, there’s that overwhelming pressure to “be somebody:” to accumulate accomplishments, possessions, and experiences. Are we not culturally-conditioned to believe that the happiest people are also the most successful? Are not advertising and social media constantly reminding you on how much of the good life you’re missing out on?

Meanwhile, a vast majority of people in our society believe in God and love Jesus. But why are the churches so empty? Because people are worried and distracted by many things. It is then that your life in Christ suffers, your spirit breaks, and sin is born.

Yet, what we see in this tense moment between Mary and Martha is a teaching moment: because Jesus has come to this world, and to their home, to serve. The “better part” Mary has chosen is to be served by Jesus.

Remember: your salvation is not the result of your good works. It’s a gift of grace. You can only receive it. This is a truth that should be reflected in how you live—with a regular habit of receiving from Jesus what you cannot get for yourself. This necessitates detaching from all the worries and distractions (which is no easy task).

So don’t feel ashamed if the words “you are worried and distracted by many things” struck you in the heart. Hear it as Jesus graciously acknowledging that you are burdened and stressed—because he doesn’t want stress, worry, or ambition to rule your life. Jesus wants to rule your life, and for his grace to be what drives you. You cannot truly serve Christ apart from Christ serving you. The Christian life is a holy balance of living like Martha and living like Mary—and only Christ can cultivate that within you.

You are here this morning so that Christ can serve you. You’re his guest. He’s the host. This is his table; his Word; his Church. During the week, Christ will be creating little sanctuaries when he will serve you. These will include mealtimes; when you wake up in the morning or go to bed at night; and other quiet moments to pray and meditate on the Word without distraction. Not only will Christ speak to your soul and put your heart at ease, he will make you more ready to receive his service when you are busy serving.

The first step to being served by Jesus is detaching and letting go. To that end, I invite you to pray with me the welcoming prayer printed in your bulletin:

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome,

I let go of my desire for security. I let go of my desire for approval. I let go of my desire for control.

I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.

I open myself to the love and presence of God and the healing action and grace within.

When you let go, Jesus serves. Situations may not change, but you change. Resurrection conquers the stress and worry—and all of life becomes more sacred.

Every day, Jesus is serving you. He is the host with the most. Don’t let a day pass where you are not choosing the better part.