"Mary Hath Chosen The Good Part"

by R.F. Lundwill | Category: General | May 1969

The scene was in Bethany, in the house of Martha and Mary. In the house was a very special Guest, one who visited them often during His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus. These people were very dear to His heart. It was a home where He was ever welcome, and always received as the Master.

There was distraction in the heart of Martha, however. She had received the Lord into her house in order to serve Him; nothing could be more commendable, but it became a distraction. Martha served, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. Martha was very busy with her kitchen cares, preparing what must have been a lovely meal for her Guest. But this distraction was marring her service. She served alone, and Mary was just sitting at the feet of Jesus. "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me" (Luke 10.40).

The answer of the Lord to Martha is difficult for some to understand, "Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10.41,42). This was not necessarily a rebuke for Martha. What Martha was doing was necessary. The meal had to be prepared; the table had to be set; and everything must be in order. Martha served with devotion but she failed to appreciate the good part which Mary had chosen.

Mary was enjoying communion with her Lord. This was that good part. Luke does not record what Jesus was saying to Mary, but as He spoke, Mary sat in silence, and drank in every word that came forth from His lips. Mary did not always Sit down and let her sister do all the work. There is nothing to imply that Mary was lazy. But this was a very special occasion, and a very special experience for Mary, which she would not be denied. What Jesus was saying was for Mary's ears and it must have been a precious revelation. When Jesus spoke, He revealed the Father.

Mary gave herself over to His thoughts and to His word, was lifted from an earthly environment to a heavenly one. Such an experience can be realised by every saint, to sit at the feet of the Lord Jesus and drink in His words. It can be an experience which can happen now, and it can be enjoyed through faith. Draw near to Him, and in silent love and adoration allow Him to speak to you, and meditate solely on Him. If you desire this good part, He will never deny you the joy.

The closer you draw to Christ, and your knowledge of Him increases, the more difficult it will become to find words to describe Him to others. Oh yes, the words will flow, but you will always sense that your description has fallen short. It will be like the beloved of the Lord in Song of Songs, who when asked the question by the watchman, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved, 0 thou fairest among women?" replied "My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand". You continue to describe Him but suddenly you are lost for words and exclaiming "Yea, He is altogether lovely".

As Mary drank in the words of her Master, she also drank in His beauty. Mary saw beyond the veil of flesh, and a portrait came before her vision which would remain with her constantly. She would never forget this vision.

R.F. Lundwill | May 1969
General