PRIDE 6

Martha so wanted to make a good impression on Jesus. She gave it her very best. She was doing all the right things, at least from her perspective. What was wrong with Mary and Jesus? Couldn’t they see? Didn’t they understand?

Martha’s problem was trying to earn Jesus’ affection. Pride argued that love is never simply given. It must be earned. In Martha’s mind love had rules of give and give back. Jesus was not following the rules. She was giving, showing her affection as best she knew how. Now he was supposed to give back by telling her how special all her preparations were and thus how special she was. It was so frustrating.

Look at Jesus’ response to Martha’s harsh words. “Martha, Martha,” he said. The tone was not harsh or condescending. His intent was to communicate his genuine care and concern for her. What a shock that must have been to Martha! Martha had just blown it. She had been rude to her guest and he responded with kindness. Jesus was saying that he valued her more than he valued her cooking. We are worthwhile because Jesus says we are—not because of anything we have done or failed to do.

Jesus nailed it, “you are worried and upset about many things.” We are not told how Martha responded to Jesus’ words. We are left to answer that on our own. Perhaps she denied it and became defensive. Maybe she really nailed him for being insensitive to her feelings. A guilt trip would have fit in nicely about then. She may have just smiled and sucked it in once more and left feeling sorry for herself once again. Pride does not handle criticism well. It becomes defensive, resentful, bitter, and sulky.

“Mary has chosen what is better.” Ouch! Martha was trying so hard to be the favored one. It was her home. It was her preparations. It was going to be her dinner. Now all he can talk about is Mary!

It hurts when someone else gets what we have worked so hard for. Pride gets wounded. How easy it would have been for Martha to attempt to punish Mary or even try to get even with Jesus for what he said. How natural it would have been to slip into self-pity and resentment. It takes courage and patience to handle situations like this.