FEAST: 30 Days of Real Truth for Real LifeSample

Day 28: Mary and Martha—Distraction

Snack

1. Distraction can pull us from what truly matters.
2. Sitting at Jesus’ feet is the better portion.
3. Worship flows from choosing His presence over busyness.

Appetiser

Have you ever found yourself so caught up in doing things for God that you missed simply being with Him?

Main Course

When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, the sisters responded in very different ways. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to Him. Frustrated, Martha complained that she was left to do all the work. But Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her”(Luke 10:41-42, NIV).

Martha’s service was not wrong, but her distraction kept her from what mattered most. Jesus gently reminded her that His presence was the greater priority.

Later, when their brother Lazarus died, it was Martha who declared her faith: “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27 NIV). Her story reminds us that even those prone to distraction can grow in deep conviction.

Mary too expressed her devotion in powerful ways. At a dinner in Bethany, she poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair (John 12:3). Her act of worship was costly, undistracted, and focused entirely on Him.

Mary and Martha together show us two sides of discipleship—service and devotion. Both are needed, but service must flow from devotion, not replace it. The psalmist captures this longing: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4 NIV).

Distractions will always compete for our attention.But choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet—to listen, worship, and rest in His presence—is the better portion.

When busyness threatens to overwhelm, may we, like Mary, choose the one thing that matters most.