Monday, July 08, 2013

What Is "Good"? Giving to the Poor? Hospitality?

Poor Mary. Twice we see recorded in Scripture that when she gave her full attention, devotion, time, and love to Christ, she was rebuked by those around her, whether it was her sister Martha or some of the disciples. But both times we see Christ Jesus coming to her defense, commending her while rebuking those who scolded her.

So it begs the question, what is "good"?  Some of the disciples said that selling her expensive perfume and giving the money to the poor was good and another thought seeing to the needs of house guests (food) was good and therefore. "Good" deeds were elevated to the most important at the moment. But what did Jesus say?

Mar 14:6  But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me
Mar 14:7  "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me.
Mar 14:8  "She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.
Mar 14:9  "Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."

Luk 10:38  Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 
Luk 10:39  She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. 
Luk 10:40  But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 
Luk 10:41  But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 
Luk 10:42  but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." 

"Good" works like hospitality or giving money to the poor (truly poor, mind you), isn't necessarily spiritual (anyone, saved or not, can do these things), but worshiping Christ Jesus; sitting at His feet listening to Him, giving Him all we have, trusting and believing in Him and His works, is always spiritual. This is what is "necessary" according to Jesus Christ who is the Good Shepherd.

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