Choosing the Better Part

Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28

In our Luke passage we have the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to what he was saying while Martha is busy in the kitchen. When she complains to Christ about Mary not helping, trying to use his authority to get her to work, Jesus replies quite differently. He tells Martha that she is worried and distracted by many things. Only one thing here is important and he says Mary has chosen the better part.

This better part is told in detail by the apostle Paul in Colossians. Christ is said to be the image of the invisible God. All things were created not only through him but for him. Was creation made so that Christ could become human and bring salvation? Since he is the first born of the dead he has first place in everything. Through him salvation was accomplished – making peace through the blood of his cross. From this we have been reconciled in his fleshly body death so we can present ourselves holy and blameless. Paul talks about the hope promised by the gospel you have heard. Was this what Mary was listening to? It being more important than the tasks and details she worried about.

Pau talks about the hidden mystery that has now been revealed to his saints. Was Mary one of these? Paul declares this mystery and tells of the greatness of Christ in you the hope of glory. Paul proclaims this gospel teaching everyone in all wisdom so he can present everyone mature in Christ. What would Paul say to those hustling about with the details when they should be listening to the good news? Was this the good news Christ was speaking to Mary?

What are the distractions in your life? When I preached on this we did a skit in church on this Mary and Martha story making Martha choose the better part. I, playing Mary, kept interrupting Jesus with phone calls and texts on my cell phone. A frustrated Jesus goes to Martha who drops her work focusing intently on Jesus. I hate to say that I’m a bit like the Mary I played in the skit – interrupting my prayers so many times by responding to the beeps on my cell phone. My rationale, “It may be someone from the church who needs me.” But what is more important – what is the better part?

May we focus on the glory of Christ and how he has redeemed us, granting us peace with God. May we not be consumed by the details of life but choose the better part of listening to Christ, making him the priority of our lives. Amen.

 

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