Mary and Martha: Finding the Balance

Mary and Martha: Finding the Balance


"Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they had dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." — John 12:1-3 (ESV)


This passage presents two sisters, Mary and Martha, each expressing their love for Jesus in different ways. Martha serves diligently, while Mary chooses worship and devotion. Their story invites us to reflect on how we balance service and stillness in our own lives.


Martha’s service was not wrong—her heart was in the right place. She wanted to honor Jesus through her work. But in Luke 10:41-42, Jesus gently reminds her that she is “anxious and troubled about many things,” while Mary has chosen “the good portion.” Service is necessary, but it should not come at the cost of peace and intimacy with God. Like Martha, we often get caught in the endless cycle of responsibilities, striving to do more, fix more, and accomplish more. In this process, we may lose sight of what matters most—sitting at the feet of Jesus.


Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume was an extravagant display of love. She chose worship over worry, stillness over striving. This moment reminds us that true devotion is not about doing more but about being present with God. In Psalm 46:10, we are commanded: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness is not passive—it is an act of faith, a declaration that God is in control, and we can trust Him to guide us.


Jesus calls us to a life that balances both action and devotion. Serving is good, but if it consumes us to the point of exhaustion and distraction, we miss the richness of simply being with Him. Our strength comes not from our efforts but from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” When we pause to sit in His presence, we find renewal and clarity for the work ahead.


Moreover, our spiritual health directly affects our overall well-being. 3 John 1:2 encourages, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” Neglecting time with God can lead to burnout, but when we prioritize our spiritual nourishment, we serve more effectively and joyfully.


Jesus doesn’t ask us to stop serving—He invites us to serve from a place of rest. He calls us to work with hearts filled by His presence, not drained by our own strength. When we find the balance between Martha’s diligence and Mary’s devotion, we reflect a heart that is fully surrendered to God.


Reflection:

• Are you so focused on doing for God that you’ve neglected time with Him?
• How can you create space in your life to sit at Jesus’ feet?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the example of Mary and Martha. Help me find the right balance between serving and sitting in Your presence. Teach me to work from a place of rest and trust in You. May my soul be refreshed as I draw near to You, and may that renewal empower me to serve with joy and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Scripture References:
John 12:1-3, Luke 10:41-42, Psalm 46:10, Deuteronomy 8:18, 3 John 1:2