Christian Living

Martha, Peter clones

by Vern Yamane
05/09/18
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-----I was talking to a lady and she had the habit of asking me every time I told her that this was what the Bible teaches.  She would ask the question “But what about so and so?”  I was curious so I asked her why do you, always ask the question “But What about So and So?”  

-----She said she was trying to compare herself against other Christians.  IE How well she fell on the curve.  Another question she would ask is:  “What About You, Are You Doing What You Are Telling Me?  IE are you practicing what you preach?   I guess she thought that if she was doing like the average Christian she didn’t need to try any harder.
-----After awhile, I decided to stop trying to convincing her that our walk is individual.  I decided to search for something in Scripture that addresses the issue of comparing oneself against other Christians.  Comparing leads to judging.  Comparing also leads to mediocracy.  If you gauge your walk against what you see another person do, you will never attain your “Utmost for His Highest”

-----Whenever I am tempted to look at another person and compare my performance with another person,. I think about the “Mary and Martha” and  “Peter and John “ passages.   Was Martha making sandwiches that Jesus did not order?  Why was Peter so concerned about what John was doing?  Why should anyone be concerned about how well another person is doing?

Luke 10:38-42  (KJV)
³⁸ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  ⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  ⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  ⁴² But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

VKY’S PARAPHRASE OF LUKE 10:38-42
As Jesus was travelling he entered a village and a certain woman who had the gift of hospitality invited Jesus to come and eat something before continuing on his journey.   Martha was a “type A “personality she had boundless energy so she was constantly, cooking something and entertaining guests.  She was known by many.  Mary, on the other hand was small, quiet, shy and introverted.  She was a good listener, she liked to read and listen to people.   She didn’t talk much but when she did say something her statements were deep.  In today’s terms she might be called a mystic
---- Martha introduced Mary to Jesus and said:  “Mary, Why don’t you talk a little to Jesus while I prepare some food.  I don’t need you right now.  You can go, -----Adrenaline rushing, Martha collected the eggs and milk from their livestock, started a fire in the oven, cut the vegetables;   Beads of perspiration began to accumulate on her forehead.  Where is Mary?  I told her that I needed her help?
-----Martha was upset but she realized that she needed to control her tongue.  She composed herself and went to other room and saw Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus.  Mary, what are you doing?  Didn’t I tell you that I need your help.  
-----Martha then turned to Jesus and said Master Please tell her to help me.
Mary needs to give me hand else I can’t finish making the food(sandwiches).
Martha, Martha Jesus said. I came into your home to talk story with you.  I didn’t ask you to make sandwiches for me.  You thought that what I needed was food.  You should have asked me why I came here. Mary sensed that I wanted to talk and that is what she did.
  It is all about priorities.  Relationships before food.  You think that Jesus wants service from you so you put all energy preparing food.  Sometimes busyness is the enemy of your relationship with Jesus.  We often think that we know what God wants and everybody should be doing just like us.  Martha wanted Mary to be a Martha clone.  Yes Jesus needed food but Mary sensed that Jesus wanted to talk before eating.

JOHN 21:20-22  (KJV)  20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, What Is That To Thee?-Follow Thou Me.

VKY’S PARAPHRASE OF JOHN 21:20-22
Peter you, are to follow me.  Don’t look around and compare what you are doing to what John is doing.  John has his assignment and you have your assignment.  My plan is that you do your part and he does his part.  I have not equipped John to what only you can do.  I have not equipped you to do what John is doing.   If you become like little Jack Horner and put your thumb is everyone’s pies you will not have time to do your assignment. Make your own pie.  You know only my plan for your life,.  If you are going about being such a busy body about John’s plan you will not know my plan for your life.    You do not know my complete plan.  I different assignments for each Christian.  John..  I want you to be like the centurion that comes, goes and do at my bidding. Will you do it?  Will you follow me?