As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10:38-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10:38-42
The image of Mary sitting at Jesus’s feet is a simple one — almost too simple. In a world where action and achievement are the hallmarks of a productive life, this scene might seem unremarkable. What could possibly come from just sitting and listening?
But notice what Jesus says: Mary has chosen what is better.
Like many things Jesus says, these words are both penetrating and mysterious. To us, what Mary does (or doesn’t do) seems ordinary, even wasteful. But to Jesus, Mary exhibits a singular focus that he knows can transform our lives — and the world.
Throughout church history, Mary sitting at Jesus’s feet has served as a guiding light for Christian devotion. The image has captured the imagination of believers across the ages. Its meaning, however, still seems elusive to us in many ways. What does Jesus mean when he says that Mary has chosen what is better? What exactly is this “better thing” that she has chosen?
Jesus's response makes it clear that there is much we can learn from Mary. Her devotion is simple; yet, it is profound. It appears negligent; but it is the most productive thing she can do. It seems foolish; but in the eyes of Jesus, it is a fountain of truth, wisdom, and power. It is from this kind of devotion that Mary’s life overflowed — the extraordinary grace, boldness, joy, and faith we see in Mary throughout the gospels is the fruit of a life simply devoted.
This overflow, however, is not something we can manufacture. It isn’t the result of striving or ambition. It only comes as we abide in him, letting his presence fill us, heal us, and guide us. It is from that overflow of Christ in our lives that we live lives empowered.
At New Mercy Palisades, we want to be a people who live out of the overflow. So journey with us in 2025 as we learn what it means to be simply devoted, living out of the fullness that can only be found at the feet of Jesus.