If the Lord came to you and said, there is only one thing necessary for you to do as a Christ-follower, would you want to know?

As Jesus was traveling through the countryside toward Bethany, Martha, from the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, came out to greet Him. She invited Jesus to stay at their home.

Martha began preparations for the meal as any host would. On the other hand, Mary sat down at Jesus’ feet and was completely engrossed in what He was saying. This lack of social grace was irritating Martha to the point of causing her to plant the responsibility of doing something about it on Jesus, their guest.

Jesus responded with a startling statement.

Luke 10:41-42

⁴¹ But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; ⁴² but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

The Lord wanted Martha and me to know that there is only one thing necessary in this life; to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to what He is saying. Nothing else trumps the humble listener at the feet of Jesus.

This rebuke puts my priorities in place. When Jesus comes first, all other things fall into place.