Marlina and I decided to do a new thing this year! Each morning, with coffee in hand, we take time for sitting. (This is a picture of us In Greece!) If it’s really early, before light, we’ll sit in bed where it’s cozy and warm. But if it’s a later morning, we’ll sit in our living room loveseat with a beautiful view of our property and the mountains beyond. But we don’t just sit. We read from the Gospels together and take time for prayer. It’s been amazing for our marriage! But it also sets the pace for the rest of the day. Sitting with Jesus is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation with Him for the rest of the day.
Which brings me to the story in Luke 10:38-42.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”(NIV)
It’s a familiar story, I know. But I thought I’d re-visit it this week as I’ve pondered what makes for a truly rich life, free from worry and the anxieties of life.
Jesus comes to town, and like most of us, Martha is pretty determined that He will have a great experience at her home. In truth, Martha was doing exactly what was expected of her in that culture. If you were a Jewish woman in the first century, your job was to serve. Period. In addition, Martha had certainly heard Jesus teaching about serving, “the greatest among you must be servant to all.” So she was actually living out something that Jesus taught.
But Martha was sitting.
And not just sitting. Sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him. Which flew all over Martha. Not only did she need some help in the kitchen, but perhaps more concerning, was that this was scandalous! Mary was taking the posture of a disciple to a Rabbi. And women weren’t allowed to be disciples. That was just for men. But history records that Jesus was the first rabbi in Jewish history to have women disciples. Martha was still living in an “old wineskin” paradigm, but Jesus was changing everything.
So Jesus points out that we can be “worried and upset about many things”, or do the “only one thing that’s needed.”
Sitting.
Jesus said Mary chose what was better. It’s not that serving was wrong, but there was something more important first.
Sitting.
Truth is, there’s a part of me that wants to just get at it in the morning, get to work and start serving. But I’m a much better servant when I have sat first.
So here’s a takeaway for all of us. Taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus first is the only thing that’s needed. And it’s the pathway to greater peace…and better serving.
Upcoming Opportunities:
We’d love to have you join us for two different trips next year, where we’ll take time for sitting, touring, boating, and cruising.
The Best of Italy 9-Day Tour: Have you always wanted to go to Italy? Join me and Marlina next April 11-19, 2026 for a private trip to magnificent Italy. I need 5 more people to make their $500 deposit to make this trip a go! So I’m offering a $300 discount to the first 15 folks who sign up. (I’ve got 10 people already registered.) Just pay a $500 deposit now, then I’ll send you a link where you can pay the balance, less $300, by February 10, 2026. Imagine spending a week exploring the history and modern day marvels of Italy from a biblical perspective, seeing sites of significant church history and places that inspired Paul’s letter to the Romans. See why Paul’s missionary journeys led him to Italy and how this has impacted the world. I’ll be doing daily teachings from the book of Romans bringing new insights to Paul’s letter. You’ll enjoy excellent preserved archaeological ruins such as the Colosseum, stunning works of art at the Vatican in Rome and Academia Gallery in Florence, and architectural wonders such as the canals in Venice. See the very best of Italy including Rome, Florence, Verona, Pisa, Tuscany, and Venice on this week-long tour! Click the link above for all the info and registration details.
Greece and Turkey Footsteps of the Apostle Paul Tour and Greek Isle Cruise: Join me and Marlina next October 17-25, 2026 for a private trip to Greece and Turkey! Imagine walking in the footsteps of Paul and the early church leaders on an epic tour including Athens, Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamum, Corinth, Cencherea, Crete, Santorini, and the Isle of Patmos. This trip will bring New Testament history to life as we explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, the Amphitheater at Ephesus, Basilica Church of St. John, the Parthenon, and finally Mars Hill in Athens. I’ll be teaching through the Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation, as well as select passages from Ephesians and Corinthians according to our travel itinerary. Right in the middle of our trip, we’ll enjoy a spectacular 3-day, 2 night cruise in the Greek Islands. The Aegean Sea truly is magnificent! And once again, only a $500 deposit now reserves your space. I hope you can join us on one of these adventures! Click the link above for all the info and registration details.
