{photo credits to the link below}
I was led to check out Mary’s life in Mary and Martha’s story and found this link :
Mary and Martha Bible Story: Powerful Lessons from Luke 10 – Light And Gospel
Some of the points really spoke to me. I’ve always felt drawn to Mary’s way of being, and reading this helped me put words to what I’ve quietly felt for a long time.
Even though Jesus highlighted that Mary had chosen “the better part,” it seems that most of us have been shaped to live more like Martha, busy, active, constantly doing. That’s what we were taught from a young age and what society tends to reward. Mary’s way is quieter, simpler, but often overlooked.
For more than a year, I start each day quietly, meditating and spending time with God before anything else by listening to Pastor Joel Osteen’s daily podcast + journaling on my prayer book while using Holy Bible You version App’s prompts or Joseph Prince App or both. It’s become a way of aligning with what really matters. Not rushing into tasks, but beginning from a place of presence, stillness, and connection. By doing this, I realize it sets my day right and I’m always in a state of peace, joy, love and abundance.
My Heart to Art Workshop is designed not just to teach painting, but to offer a safe space for people to pause, reconnect with themselves, and create from the heart without judgment.
In a world that constantly asks us to “do more,” this workshop is an invitation to simply be. To slow down, listen inward, and let what’s inside flow out onto the canvas.
I believe when we create from a place of love and presence, we tap into something deeper. Something healing and freeing. And maybe, like Mary, we’ll discover that what feels like slowing down is actually choosing the better part.
Here are some of the highlights I have gotten from the link above I feel led to post them below. Enjoy!
The Mary and Martha Bible story is found in Luke 10:38–42. It’s a short but powerful passage that continues to speak to the hearts of believers today, reminding us to choose presence over pressure and peace over performance.
The Mary and Martha Bible story gently reminds us that even in our service, we can miss what matters most: simply being with Jesus. Found in Luke 10:38–42, this touching moment between two sisters and the Savior speaks to the heart of every believer. Martha, anxious and distracted, worked hard to serve, while Mary quietly sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words.
In that moment, Jesus lovingly pointed out what truly mattered and it’s a lesson that still speaks to us today. If you’ve ever felt torn between doing and being, this story is for you.
Instead of helping with the tasks, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, fully focused, soaking in every word. It wasn’t laziness it was hunger for His presence. What looked like inaction was actually deep spiritual devotion.
This moment sets the stage for one of Jesus’ most tender corrections reminding us all to prioritize being with Him over doing for Him.
Martha was the responsible, task-oriented one. She cared about details, hospitality, and making sure everything was just right. She was passionate, bold, and quick to speak.
Mary, quiet, reflective, She was drawn to spiritual things and was often found at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His words.
Their unique traits reflect two sides of the Christian walk service and devotion and show how both are valuable, but one must come before the other.
Jesus is a personal friend who desires our presence more than our performance.
While Martha was moving about, Mary chose to be still. She sat at Jesus’ feet, fully present, fully surrendered, fully open. She wasn’t being lazy she was being intentional.
Mary prioritized the spiritual over the physical, choosing quiet communion with Christ over the hustle of hosting. She understood that in that moment, the most important thing wasn’t the table it was the Teacher.
Jesus affirmed her choice by saying, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
That line still echoes today. In the noise of our world, Mary’s posture reminds us to slow down and make space for Jesus. True devotion often begins in stillness.
Key Lessons from the Mary and Martha Bible Story
Devotion Is Greater Than Distraction
One of the clearest messages from the Mary and Martha Bible story is that being with Jesus is more important than being busy for Him. Martha’s distractions weren’t sinful they were just misplaced priorities. Jesus gently reminded her that true peace is found not in what we do, but in who we’re with.
Devotion will always produce fruit, but distraction only produces fatigue.
Jesus Values Presence over Performance
In a world that constantly tells us to do more, Jesus reminds us that our worth isn’t in performance, but in presence. Mary wasn’t praised because she was perfect she was praised because she was present. Sitting at Jesus’ feet with a quiet heart pleased Him more than any grand gesture.
He desires relationship, not religious activity.
Are You a Mary or a Martha Today?
In the busyness of modern life between meetings, deadlines, family responsibilities, and constant phone notifications it’s easy to find ourselves acting like Martha. We hustle, we strive, we serve… but deep inside, we feel empty. The Mary and Martha Bible story invites us to pause and ask:
Am I moving around Jesus, or sitting with Him?
Martha loved Jesus, but her distractions kept her from truly enjoying Him. Mary chose to listen, to rest, to receive. We all have a bit of both inside us, but the question is which one is leading your day?
Choosing “The Better Part” in Daily Life
“Mary has chosen what is better,” Jesus said and that same invitation stands for us today.
Choosing the better part doesn’t always mean sitting silently for hours. It means starting your day with prayer instead of panic. It means opening your Bible before opening your inbox. It means inviting Jesus into your moments big and small.
Matthew 6:33 – Seek First the Kingdom
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Mary’s posture at Jesus’ feet reflects this verse perfectly. She sought His Kingdom first and in return, she received peace, wisdom, and the affirmation of her Savior. When we choose presence over pressure, God takes care of the rest.
Psalm 27:4 – Desire to Dwell in God’s Presence
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” (Psalm 27:4)
What did Jesus mean by “Mary chose what is better”?
While Martha was busy with good things, Mary chose the best thing: devotion over distraction. It was a reminder that spiritual intimacy matters more than outward activity.
What was Martha’s mistake in the story?
Martha’s mistake wasn’t serving it was becoming anxious, overwhelmed, and spiritually distracted. She allowed the weight of tasks to pull her attention away from Jesus. Her intentions were good, but her focus needed realignment toward His presence, not just His approval.
What does the story of Mary and Martha teach us?
It teaches us that Jesus values relationship over routine. While service is important, it should never replace our time with Him. The story encourages us to put first things first to sit, listen, and let His voice shape our lives.
Conclusion: Are You Listening Like Mary?
Final Reflection
The Mary and Martha Bible story is more than a glimpse into two sisters’ lives it’s a mirror for our own. Like Martha, we often get caught in the whirlwind of doing, achieving, and serving. But in the stillness of Mary’s choice, Jesus invites us into something deeper: a life of presence, peace, and priority.
He never scolded Martha He redirected her. He affirmed Mary not because she was perfect, but because she was present.
So today, ask yourself: Am I listening like Mary?
Are you making space for Jesus, or are you letting life drown out His voice?
Take a step closer. Sit at His feet. Let His words shape your day.
Because in a world full of noise, choosing the better part is the most powerful thing you can do.