In Luke 10:38-42, we learn about the industriousness of Martha and the devotedness of Mary. I could just stop and let that dangle for a moment. Do you gravitate towards one or the other? Are you a listening person or a doing person?
Pastor Suzanne and I earned credentials through a leadership academy called Creating a Culture of Renewal. Both of us are “Certified Renewalists”. What does that mean? In her opening sermon, Pastor Suzanne talked about the shift one must go through, from just having faith in Jesus toward an Apostolic Faith of Jesus. At first this seems odd, or at best, “superfluous wordsmithing”. Those were my reactions until I became transformed myself, by shifting my thinking. Being a Renewalist means seeing what is possible and then trusting that God will make it possible through you.
Consider the shift in this way. Both Mary and Martha have giftedness. They bring their giftedness to this chance in-home meeting with Jesus. The gift of hospitality is important to build trust with another person or group of people, as is listening intently. So why does this text seem to show favoritism towards Mary and making some people feel bad about the internal struggle of work vs. faith, listening vs. doing? Countless scholars, preachers, and teachers have criticized Martha, yet she had an important role to play. Jesus doesn’t scold her for her working (doing), but rather about her complaint of Mary’s lack of help. Jesus knows that everyone has a role to play.
First century women were not well treated. In ancient culture, the work that Martha was doing was expected and often overlooked. Think about that for a moment. A Rabbi is teaching a woman. First century educational experiences for women were limited. And the education that was offered was not centered around theology, kingdom building, or the temporal/heavenly notions of justice and God’s economy. Women’s education centered around taking care of men and children. I suppose Jesus’ teachings might have been filled with a radical Kingdom challenge to Roman temporal authority. Perhaps he shared with them the radical non-violent notions of turning the other cheek, or carrying the pack an extra mile as only one was expected to do. Both of these teachings of Jesus is a message to Rome – “You are not the Boss of me!”
Through this opportunity, both women make their shift to become female Apostles, bringing with them their unique abilities and giftedness. Besides Mary, the mother of Jesus, these sisters are mentioned the most in the Gospels. They are very significant. This Lukan story of Mary and Martha follows so well with what we heard last week about the “Good Samaritan” and that what we think is normal and customary is turned upside down in the Kingdom of God.