Jesus and His Home Ministry
“As they went, that he (Jesus) entered into certain village and certain woman named Martha received him into her house” (Luke 10:38)
Bethany was a town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. Their brother was Lazarus (John 11:11) Bethpage was a nearby village and these two places were close to Mount Olives. Jerusalem was two miles away from Bethany.
We understand that a family headed by a lady named Martha, welcomed Jesus in her home. She had a big heart to accept Jesus and his disciples. Revelation 3:20 says “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him and he will eat with me”. So it happened in Bethany.
Earlier in this chapter (Luke 10:1) we see that the Lord chose 70 men and sent them out, two by two to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. The end of the chapter states about Martha receiving Jesus. Probably this family was met earlier by his disciples and told about the visit of Jesus. Now, it was Martha’s responsibility, to give a feast to at least 15 persons including her family members. She was very enthusiastic about it. But, soon she was upset because her sister didn’t help her. Mary sat down at the feet of Jesus and was listening to his teachings. Martha took a bold step by telling Jesus about her Sister’s odd behaviour.
But Jesus answered “Martha, you are worried and troubled over many things (earthly). Mary had chosen the right thing (spiritual) and it will not be taken away from her”. (Luke 10:41) Martha invited Jesus to give a big feast. But, before that, Jesus gave a spiritual feast to all assembled there (as mount Sermon).
What we infer is that all homes should serve not only to give food for Physical growth and family wellbeing of the members, but also should serve as places to expand the kingdom of God. Martha promoted the first aspect. Maria promoted the second which was obviously greater than the first one.
Witness:
Missionaries in good old days provided soap, Comb and mirror to our ancestors, and then they preached the gospel to put us in an elevated place as we are today.
Prayer:
Jesus! Help us to use our homes as a place of worship and also as a place of hospitality. Amen.
Sol. VICTY MITHYLA