"One Thing Is Necessary"
Jamaal Williams
38 While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”–
Luke 10:38-42
"Sit first - Choose Jesus before everything"
- The Setting (Luke 10:38–39)
- Martha welcomed Jesus into her home.
- Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, taking the posture of a disciple.
- The Kingdom of God is for everyone—male and female, young and old, rich and poor.
- The Contrast (Luke 10:40–41)
- Martha: Distracted by much serving, striving for favor.
- Mary: Sitting still, listening, and being shaped by Jesus’ words.
- Serving flows from fullness; striving fights for favor.
- The Cure (Luke 10:41–42)
- Jesus offers Compassion: “Martha, Martha…”
- Jesus gives Correction: “You are anxious and troubled about many things.”
- Jesus calls to Closeness: “One thing is necessary.”
- Application: Sit First
- Create space for stillness.
- Pause and name your worries.
- Stay connected with sacrificial friends.
Jesus doesn’t demand perfection or performance—He invites you to sit with Him, to trust Him, and to wait on Him. You’re sitting before the one who died in your place, who rose from the dead, and who promised to come again. Until He returns, wait with faith, putting being before doing, and let His presence be your portion.