Luke 10:38-39, 42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said… “but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
“To sit at someone’s feet meant, quite simply, to be their student. And to sit at the feet of a rabbi was what you did if you wanted to be a rabbi yourself. There is no thought here of learning for learning’s sake. Mary has quietly taken her place as a would-be teacher and preacher of the kingdom of God. Jesus affirms her right to do so.” [NT Wright, Luke for Everyone (New Testament for Everyone), 131]
According to Jesus, listening is a choice. And to listen to Jesus is to live as a student of Jesus. To listen to Jesus is to live as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus will never turn away the one who wants to listen. Even though Mary was committing so many cultural taboos, sitting among the men, Jesus received her. Likewise, Jesus will not turn us away if we desire to sit at his feet and listen. How essential the act of listening is to our calling to make disciples, for we can’t preach what we haven’t heard from Jesus himself. We must be so familiar with the voice of Jesus by drawing near and listening.
Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, help us to move away from the distractions of life and find a seat at the feet of Jesus. May we encounter you in the intimate moments of listening, and share what you say to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s worship to the song “Over My Head” by Bethel (click here).
– ES