Daily Devotionals

Sir, don't you care that my sister has been leaving me to do all the work by myself? (Luke 10:40).

Miryam (Mary) and Marta (Martha) were two Jewish sisters who were close friends of Yeshua. We all know their story, but as we read it carefully from a Jewish perspective, one interesting point stands out clearly: Marta was not a Jewish mother. As much as Marta worried in this passage, you might actually think that she was a Jewish mother, but as a Jewish mother myself, with many years' experience, I can tell you that she definitely was not!

You see, a Jewish mother would never have approached Yeshua saying, "Sir, don't you care that my sister has been leaving me ..." Rather, the text would read, "It's OK, Yeshua, don't you worry about me. You just go ahead and let Miryam enjoy herself while I slave here over this hot stove ...don't worry, I don't mind working my fingers to the bone while she lounges there at your feet ...I'm sure a little Ben Gay at the end of the day will make me feel much better ...in a week or so ...maybe."

But seriously, Marta showed deep insight in this passage, because she knew where to go for help. She was Jewish—she couldn't help kvetching (complaining)—but she took her troubles right to Yeshua. He's big enough to handle any complaints we might have.

...not complain about my problems, no matter how small or large. Instead, I will bring them to Yeshua, from whom comes my help.

ZG