The Significance of Mary Sitting at Jesus’ Feet
Published July 6, 2020
Life can get hectic, even suffocating at times. Everyone is always in a frantic rush to meet deadlines, do chores, and meet society’s expectations.
I, too, am guilty of that a lot these days. Sometimes the pressure of everything around me gets overbearing that I get tunnel vision. I lose sight of other things that should be on my mind because of the circumstances I’m in.
Picture this; it’s Thanksgiving dinner, and you’re rushing to serve all your dishes while they’re hot. You’re so engrossed in what you’re doing that you miss spending time with those you love.
That’s what tunnel vision can do to you. Often, we are so fixated with trying to make everything perfect that we forget what is truly important. We miss the fellowship, quiet time, and quality time.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s not bad to work at your job diligently. Nor is it bad for you to be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a doctorate. What isn’t okay is not taking the time to slow down and smell the roses. It’s when you let all of life’s worries take you away from what is truly important, and that’s God and His word.
Luke 10:38-42 tells us the story when Jesus went to visit His friends, Mary and Martha. When He arrived, Mary was so eager to listen to His teachings that she sat by his feet. Engrossed by His teachings, she listened fervently to what He was telling her.
Martha, on the other hand, was busy preparing things for Jesus. She was all over the place, trying to finish preparations. It reached a point that she became frustrated that Mary wasn’t doing anything to help her. Martha questioned Jesus whether he cared that Mary wasn’t helping her at all.
With which Jesus replied in Luke 10:41-42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha is not a bad person, not by any stretch of the imagination. I know that she only wants to serve Jesus. She has so much respect for Jesus, in fact, that she can’t bear the thought of imperfection.
Many of us today are like Martha. We’re so caught up with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives that we forget the essence of life. We don’t take the time to slow down and just try to listen to what God wants for us.
This idea brings us to the significance of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. What does that mean exactly? And why should I want to be more like Mary?
Sitting at Jesus’ feet meant that Mary was eager to listen to the word of God. We should want to be more like her because Colossians 2:10 says, “in Christ, you have been brought to fullness.”
It is only in Christ that we are complete. The riches we gain on earth, the accolades we accomplish, they’re all nothing without God.
How do I sit at Jesus’ feet more often?
The best advice I can give you is to set aside time every week, or every few days, or even every day to talk to God. It can be as quick as a few minutes, but what’s important is you set aside everything for this moment.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 NIV
God specifically tells us to cast all our burdens unto Him. Share your worries with Him; share your accomplishments with Him. God wants us to confide in Him through every emotion and every moment.
Our quiet time with God will not only help us understand His plans for us, but it will help renew our hearts. If we take a little time out of our busy schedules to talk to God, we can find peace through Him.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly, we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
If we lay our troubles unto the Lord, He will help us with our burden. He will help us bear the crosses in our lives, and even uplift us.
“Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah 1:3 NIV
There’s a place reserved for us to rest by Jesus’ feet. He is always waiting; we just have to remember to return to Him.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
