Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. John 7:24
The principles taught by the account of Martha and Mary are shattering to the knowledge of good and evil. Jesus said, “One thing is needful…”
Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up {to Him} and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but {only} one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
As Mary sat at the feet of the Tree of Life, she found everything that Martha was so carefully trying to produce using her knowledge of good and evil. Observe the contrast:
While Mary was drinking Living Water, Martha was troubled with preparations. Was the drink she’d prepared enough? Was it of adequate quality?
While Mary was eating Living Bread, Martha was perspiring by the oven, worried. Would the bread burn or be undercooked? That would be so embarrassing!
While Mary was eating and drinking Life Himself, Martha was suffering the death of works not needful. Martha suffered all the symptoms: worry, stress, pride and finally, resentment and judgment of her sister. Martha’s actions were the good kind that comes from eating from the wrong tree and as a result, she chose death over Life.
When we experience Martha symptoms, it is time to step back and ask, “Jesus, what would You say to me?”