Luke 10, 38-42 Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

“But one thing is needful…” Jesus told Martha these words, when she asked Him to tell Mary to help her to serve. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus and heard His Word. What is this one thing and how do we apply this necessity to our lives?

Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, while Martha was busy serving Him. Mary desired closeness to Jesus; she had fellowship with Him and was hungry for every Word He spoke. She humbly listened at His feet and forgot everything around her. Jesus commended her for that and told Martha that Mary has chosen “that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus is looking for a close relationship with you and me. If we still live with Martha’s priorities, we should seek to change to Jesus’ priorities -- intimacy with Him. In return, we will be in His presence and enjoy a loving closeness to Him. We will recognize His voice, receive guidance and will become more like Him. In His presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Jesus desires our love and affection. He Himself must be our desire, more than our service to Him. To have chosen that good part, will make us also to be better servants. Matthew 6,33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Therefore let us spend more time in the presence of Jesus and under His Word and let us take control over every distraction and self-centered ambition. God may help and bless us. ra

Additional verses to study: Psalm 25:4; 84:10; 119:15,27,148; Matthew 5:6; Mark 12:30; Luke 21:33; John 6:68; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthian 3:16-18