Shalom, beloved fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters in Christ. How grateful we are that we can still hear this online sermon . My friend, in the midst of our daily lives, the hustle and bustle of our lives is often filled with various activities and demands. We are often faced with choices. The choice between work and family, between personal needs and service, or even the choice about how we spend our free time. Today God's word will guide us to look at a simple, yet meaningful event that occurred in the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. This incident will teach us about a crucial choice L, namely choosing the best part. The background of our text today, Luke 10 verses 38 to 42, is part of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. Prior to this passage, Jesus had just sent out the 70 disciples to preach the gospel and they returned with joy. Jesus then taught the parable of the good Samaritan emphasizing the importance of practical, impartial love. Soon after we are taken to a small village to Martha's house. Martha and Mary were two sisters who were well known to Jesus. The Gospel of John also records that they were the sisters of Lazarus who was later resurrected by Jesus. They had a close relationship with Jesus and their home became a comfortable resting place for Jesus and his disciples. Jesus' presence in their home was not something strange, but the visit of a close friend. In the cultural context of the time , when an important guest came, especially a prominent rabbi like Jesus, it was a great honor. Hosts are expected to provide the best service, including delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere. This is what Martha's focus is on. Let's look at the verses in this passage. Verse 38. While Jesus and Miurit-Muitnia were traveling, he arrived at a village. A woman named Martha received him in her home. Interpretation of verse 38. Verse 38 brings us into a familiar scene. Jesus and his disciples were on their way and they came to a village. This was not an unexpected visit. Jesus traveled frequently and his presence always had an impact. In this village there was a woman named Martha who voluntarily accepted Jesus into her home. Martha's actions show her extraordinary friendliness . It was a good custom in Middle Eastern culture at that time that opening one's home to a guest, especially a prominent rabbi like Jesus, was a great honor and a sign of love. Martha, as the homeowner, quickly took on the role of host, responsible for ensuring everything was ready to welcome the arrival of this distinguished guest. Verse 39. The woman had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord's feet and continued to listen to his words. Interpretation of verse 39. After Martha is described as a responsive host. Verse 39 immediately introduces us to Mary his sister who takes a very different position. Meanwhile Martha may have already started moving to prepare everything. Mary sat at the Lord's feet and continued to listen to his words. This position of sitting at God's feet is very important and full of meaning in Jewish culture. This is the position of a student. A person who humbly and respectfully is ready to receive teaching from his teacher. Maria didn't just sit still, she kept listening. His focus is not divided. He was completely absorbed in every word that came from Jesus' lips. This shows his clear priorities. Among all the busyness that might have been in the house, Mary chose to completely place herself before Jesus, putting His presence and his word before everything else. Verse 40. While Martha was very busy serving, she approached Jesus and said, "Lord, don't you care that my brother left me to serve alone? Tell him to help me." Interpretation of verse 40. After we see the contrast between Martha's busyness and Mary's focus, verse 40 brings us to the peak of tension. Meanwhile, Martha was very busy serving. This image depicts how Martha is truly overwhelmed and perhaps even panicked by all the preparations. The word for busy in Greek is perispau. It could mean he is distracted, distracted, or even feels overly burdened. In such a state of mind, she came to Jesus and said in a complaining tone, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me." Here we see Martha's frustration at its peak. She not only complains about Mary, whom she considers selfish, but she also indirectly blames Jesus. It is as if Jesus does not understand the burden of her work or does not care about her difficulties. Martha even tries to dictate to Jesus, telling him to order Mary to help her. shows that she feels there is an injustice that must be corrected immediately. Verse 41. But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things." Interpretation of verse 41. Hearing Martha's complaint full of worries and demands, Jesus gives a loving, yet firm response. Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. My friend, the repetition of Martha's name twice shows Jesus' tenderness and personal concern for her, not a judgmental rebuke. But at the same time this is a diagnosis of Martha's heart condition. Jesus does not criticize her work or her diligence. Martha's Problem not in her service, but in her anxious and troubled heart. The Greek word for anxious is merimna. It means to be distracted, anxious, or worried. She was caught in a cycle of busyness that robbed her of peace. Jesus saw that Martha's focus had shifted from her primary goal of welcoming and fellowshipping with him to being burdened by many other matters or things that were not essential at the time. Anxiety over the details of the preparations had consumed her, making her lose her joy, and even daring to complain to the Lord Himself. Verse 42. But only one thing is necessary. Mary had chosen the good part that will not be taken from her. Interpretation of verse 42. After responding to Martha's concern, Jesus then turned his attention to Mary and affirmed, "But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her. This is the core and the climax. Jesus explains that amidst the many things that burden Martha, there is truly only one thing that is necessary. That one fundamental thing is to place oneself before him, listen to his word, and build an intimate relationship with him. Mary has shown the right priority. She chose the good part. What is meant by this good part? It is not a cup of tea or a delicious meal that will run out, nor is it praise for service that will fade. The best part is fellowship with Jesus, his teachings that penetrate the heart and his eternal presence. The beauty of Mary's choice is that this part will not be taken away from her. It is an eternal spiritual treasure. Unlike physical preparation, which is temporary. Jesus does not belittle Martha's ministry, but he shows that the most important thing is to be rooted in God's word and his presence. From there, all other ministries will flow properly. Reflection and closing. Dear Fathers, Mothers, Brothers and Sisters. This story of Martha and Mary is relevant for us in this modern era. We are all Marthas in many ways. We are busy with work, education, family, church service, and various responsibilities. others. We often feel stressed, tired, and even complain like Martha because we feel our burdens are too heavy. However, in the midst of our busy lives, have we ever stopped for a moment and asked ourselves whether we have chosen the best part? Mary reminds us that there is one thing that is most important, the one thing that is most needed to bring Jesus into our lives. Sitting at His feet and listening to His word. Choosing the best part does not mean we have to abandon all our services and responsibilities. No. Jesus never said Martha should stop serving, but rather choose the best part. When we choose the best part, our service will become more meaningful and fruitful. We will no longer serve with anxiety, but with hearts full of joy and peace. Because we know we have placed God in His rightful place. May the Holy Spirit help us to always choose the best part in this life, namely Christ Himself. Amen.