Listen to this devotion

Martha — Ultimate Doer

Martha’s Story: Luke 10:38–42

In the Word

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus (John 11:5).

Of the Word

Martha: big sister to Mary and Lazarus and personal friend of Jesus. Hospitality to others was her trademark. What it must have been like to have Jesus as a guest! Being a loving hostess, Martha was busy in the kitchen. Meanwhile, sister Mary was in another room listening as Jesus taught. Put out about having to prepare the meal alone, Martha complained to Jesus, “Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b CEB).

We are all a bit like Martha when it comes to allowing the things of life to stand between us and spending time with our Savior. We want to be faithful in our daily devotions and to have a more fervent prayer life. But our overcommitted lives make us cry, “But Lord, I have so many things I have to do.” With love and understanding, Jesus told Martha — and us — where our priority should be. 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).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, help me make the choice each day to follow You, for nothing else can bring me satisfaction. In Your saving name I pray. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 21/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “CEB” and “Common English Bible” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Sign up to receive Mustard Seed Devotions by email