We live in a world full of distractions. Our schedules are packed, our minds are busy, and our hearts are often overwhelmed. In all the noise, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most—being present with Jesus.
In Luke 10:38–42, the story of Martha and Mary gives us a powerful lesson about priorities. Jesus comes to their home, and Martha immediately gets to work. She prepares the house, the food, and everything needed to serve her guests. Her actions are good, expected, and even admirable. Hospitality matters. Service matters.
Mary, however, makes a different choice. Instead of helping, she sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to His teaching. In that culture, this was shocking. Women weren’t typically students of rabbis. Yet Mary chooses presence over productivity.
Martha grows frustrated and finally asks Jesus to intervene: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” Jesus responds gently but clearly: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion.”
Jesus doesn’t criticize Martha’s service. Instead, He points out her divided heart. Her anxiety wasn’t really about the meal—it was about distraction. Mary chose the “good portion,” time with Jesus, something that cannot be taken away. Meals end, dishes pile up again, and work never stops. But time spent with Jesus has eternal value.
If we’re honest, many of us relate more to Martha. We stay busy doing things for Jesus but forget to simply be with Him. Even church work can become a distraction when it replaces devotion. We tell ourselves we’ll slow down later, but later rarely comes.
In Luke 11, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, beginning with the word “Father.” Prayer isn’t a performance—it’s a relationship. We’re invited to come honestly, persistently, and boldly, just like a child approaching a loving parent. God wants our hearts, not perfect words.
The invitation Mary accepted is still open today. We don’t need to clean up our lives first. We can come anxious, distracted, and messy and sit at Jesus’ feet. This isn’t about abandoning responsibility; it’s about choosing the right priority. When we focus on relationship first, our service flows from love instead of stress.
The work will always be there. But the choice to sit with Jesus is now. Choose the portion that will never be taken away. Choose devotion over distraction.
- Distracted Devotion - January 13, 2026
- From Darkness - December 9, 2025
- Beyond Backwards - December 9, 2025