An Eternal Perspective

“And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha,

you are worried and troubled about many things. But one

thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part,

which will not be taken away from her.’”

{Luke 10:41-42}

This poem is based on Luke 10:38-42, which tells the story of Mary and Martha and their reactions toward Jesus’ unexpected visit to their home. It is written from the perspective of Martha and describes what she may have been thinking and feeling during this encounter. I constantly find myself identifying with Martha in this story, and I can almost hear Christ’s words to her directed to me. Perhaps you will feel the same way.

‘Twas a usual day in the village for me—

Chores piled high as the eye could see.

I’d made up my list of the things to be done

And happily checked them off one by one.

First do the dishes, then sweep up the floor,

Make sure everything looks nice by the door;

Then put away dishes, and if there is time,

Scrub at the windows and walls ‘til they shine.

They day kept on going with so much to do—

My sister, Mary, began helping me, too.

Laughing and talking as we completed each chore,

We cared not a bit that there was always one more.

I walked out the door—did our house look its best?

And did it—at least—compare with the rest?

But as I was looking, a new sight I did see:

A figure was walking, and he was coming toward me!

I halted my work on our humble abode

And squinted my eyes to see down the road.

Who was this stranger, and why had he come

When my chores were unfinished, my work not yet done?

My heart sank at this thought, for my house was in shreds—

I’d not even begun to make all the beds!

But sure as the sun had arisen that day,

This strange sort of man was walking my way.

And so I approached him—and once I’d begun,

I knew in a moment who it was that had come.

Jesus of Nazareth, our good Teacher and Friend.

What could I do but a kind welcome extend?

I greed Him, then turned my eyes to the floor.

Oh, what will He think when I open the door?

Still ashamed of my house, I let Him recline

And prepared food for supper so we three could dine.

I knew Jesus needed the best I could make;

I was already tired and wanted a break.

But this turned to anger, for what I saw next

Made my heart troubled and my weary mind vexed.

For while I was busy making food for our guest,

Mary, my sister, had decided to rest.

She hung on Christ’s words and sat by His feet,

And that’s when I began the Master to entreat.

“Do you not care that I’m left here alone

To work and to serve and to clean up our home

While my sister, Mary, sits and listens to you?

Does she not know there is much work to do?”

I thought sure He’d agree that Mary was wrong,

That she should’ve been helping me cook all along.

But instead He directed His gaze up to me,

And in love He spoke to me softly and gently:

“You’re worried and troubled with so much to do,

Yet I’ve only desired to spend time with you.

What Mary has chosen will endure past this day—

Her time spent with Me won’t be taken away.”