The one thing every pastor needs to hear.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10:38-40 ESV)

Two sisters, one slaves as the other sits. In modern times Mary would be called lazy. Shoot, in that day Mary was probably considered lazy- she was by Martha at least.
The common misconception is that to be obedient you must be busy, and in this passage Jesus tells a completely different story.

It says that Martha was “distracted with much serving”

That’s right, too much service and not enough sitting at the feet of Jesus becomes distracting. The main event is Jesus. Sure we can’t sit at the literal feet of Jesus like Mary did, but we can be in his presence through reading His word and praying to Him. So that event coming up that takes weeks to plan…sit at the feet of Jesus.

So when Martha approaches Jesus about Mary’s laziness what do you think He said in return?

Well here goes,

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)

Just in the little time I have spent in ministry I have seen that the calendar keeps on rolling wether you like it or not. And that means events are expected. Events are important but not AS IMPORTANT.

Jesus tells her “only one thing is necessary” and that she did not choose it!
Mary did. She sat at the feet of Jesus soaking it in while Martha hustled, bustled, and tidied the house for Jesus, all the while missing out on spending time with Him.

I feel like so much of my time goes to planning, coordinating, and making things perfect when Jesus clearly says to me, “hey Sean, only one things is necessary and it’s not that event, It’s me. Come, sit at my feet.”

Don’t get so wrapped up in events, and serving that you miss spending time at Jesus’ feet.

Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious in ministry?
Maybe you knew this and implement it daily, but I’m sure some don’t. Find some time to sit at His feet today.