At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Dear congregation, dear friends, dear Confirmands, how many sermons may have been delivered about these two sisters? Mary and Martha are true celebrities of the New Testament. And there is hardly a sermon listener who does not have pictures of their impressive encounter with Jesus in front of them. There sits Mary at Jesus' feet. Listening to his words. Admires the famous teacher and is all ear. A familiar idyllic scene. In the kitchen, on the other hand, you can hear the pots and pans rattle. It sizzles and steams, it smells seductively of fresh bread and crispy roasts. Martha is really in her element. Maria and Martha, both could enjoy the situation. But, of course, the story does not go on like this. The talented housekeeper is annoyed with her sister. Couldn't she help her and get on with it? Could you not quickly prepare the table and get the dessert ready? That is unfair! Mary rests at Jesus' feet, and Martha must work. Of course, she has a lot of trouble. Jesus says this too, but then Mary is also praised: "She has chosen the good part". This means: Mary is doing it right. Martha should take an example from her.
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