“Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her'” (Luke 10:42, ESV).
On that day when Jesus came to visit Mary “chose” to sit at Jesus feet. Unlike Martha who was “distracted” by preparing and serving, Mary sat down at the feet of her Master. She wasn't “distracted” with anything around her–not even the physical things that needed to be done to entertain their guest. She was not distracted by her sister's demand for help. Mary's attention was completely focused on Jesus. Later, just a few days before Calvary, Mary worships Jesus as she pours out expensive oil and wipes His feet with her hair (John 12:1-3). Taking care of feet was the duty of a servant. Mary had a servant's heart. The oil was costly, but Mary could care less about the cost. It was also uncommon for women to let their hair down in front of other people. However, Mary was unafraid to let her hair down before Jesus. She was humbled in His presence. Just as the time when Jesus came to visit at her home, Mary was completely focused on her Master. She did not only care what anyone thought. She had no idea of anything else around her. She was unshaken, and once again focused on Jesus.
Remember in Luke 10:42, we read that Jesus was her life and her “chosen portion”. The word “portion” (Luke 10:42 in the ESV study Bible) is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. In these passages “portion” is coupled with the idea that fellowship with God is one of the sweetest things you can have in your life. In Psalm 16:5-8 we discover words that Mary herself could have uttered at Jesus' feet. “The Lord is my 'chosen portion' and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (ESV).
Is He your “chosen portion”? You choose Him to be. Do you focus on Him no matter what others do around you to distract you from His presence? Mary was not shaken or distracted. Do the harried voices of “Martha” call out keeping you from choosing Him as your portion? Are you humbled in His presence? Do you worship Him no matter who is around you to distract? Mary focused, listened, and learned and worshiped at His feet. She chose Jesus above all else. You will not be shaken either when you choose Him as your portion. If you will “draw near to God He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NIV) “He will keep you in perfect peace when you keep your mind focused on Him” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV).
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