Reflection Thought – The differences of being a “Martha” and a “Mary”

A new year, a new fellowship / cell group…

For the first time after a long while, I felt refreshed after coming home from a fellowship / cell meeting.

What a change! What make the differences?

1. A Competent Leader

Last Friday, we were at the new cell leader’s home. He actually did everything himself. First, he opened his home for the gathering, then he became the worship leader. He then led the Bible discussions and sharing what the text meant. He then became the prayer leader and led us in the closing prayer. During fellowship time, his wife became the host and served us, drink and some food. As usual, each of us also brought some food to the meeting. For once, I felt like I was sitting at the feet of Jesus just being fed spiritually and no need to be concerned about being asked to pray or do “ice-breaker” and some Bible discussion. We discussed four passages – John 21; Matt 11:28-30; Mark 6:30-44; John 15:1-5. It’s about loving, resting, trusting and abiding in Jesus.

You know, when you are called to do something that is impromptu or with preparation, most time, it is the kind of distraction and you dwell so much on yourself to do it well that you forgot about just to be there to learn and refreshed.

2. A Communion Environment

We may be new in this group, but the group discuss things sensibly. The people here speak words that edify one another. There are no meaningless jokes or casual gossips. Quite a change from the previous group, where there are people who talk and jokes too often.

There are also no unnecessary remarks from the leader after someone spoke, which happened so often in my previous group. So, it is a good change to allow a short pause for thoughts. Sensible leader makes the difference.

…

Looking back all those days in the old group, the way it was run usually surround with activities and a lot of talking and a lot of food. There were very little Bible passage discussions.  The stomach seems more important than the soul. Even if we open the Bible and read a passage, it was just casual reading.

In the previous group, we have a person appointed to facilitate of the Bible discussion each week. I began to observe that the facilitators are slowly beginning to compete with each others to see who is better. This in turn creates stress for a few who are weaker in creativity and in Bible knowledge. I received a few SMS from a facilitator after the meeting to ask for my feedback after the cell meeting. Personally, I feel that this is bad. We are there to learn and build up one another, not to show-case ourselves. This is a distraction.

All these contrasts between the new and old cell groups help me to understand the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 (NASB).

³⁸ Now as they were travelling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; ⁴² but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

This story is often misunderstood. We think that sitting down and listening is better than serving. Both are equally important. The difference between Martha and Mary is: one was distracted (v40) and the other did only one necessary thing (v42). If Martha was not distracted but opened her ears to hear what Jesus was teaching while serving, there will not be this story recorded by Luke. There are many exemplary women in the Bible who served without distraction – Phoebe, Dorcas, Peter’s mother-in-law, etc.

3. Only one thing Necessary

So, what is this “only one necessary thing” in every fellowship where Jesus is present?

To be refreshed by the WORD of Jesus!! That is what Mary got during the cell meeting with Jesus and His disciples. All other activities, while may be useful is not necessary.

For thus the Lord ^[God, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

“In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.”
But you were not willing,

(Isa 30:15)

Agape!