Comments on: Martha’s Problem http://emphaticasterisk.com/2008/05/08/marthas-problem/ I am a gay-affirming pro-choice left-wing loony pacifist environmental nutjob Christian! Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:31:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: e2tc http://emphaticasterisk.com/2008/05/08/marthas-problem/#comment-1245 e2tc Fri, 09 May 2008 05:28:20 +0000 http://shushnow.wordpress.com/?p=117#comment-1245 I've wondered in the past if it wasn't a "What does she think she's doing, hanging out in there? She <b>should</b> be helping me in here!" Agreed completely that this is a very misread passage, especially the "anxious and troubled" part, which sounds like genuine concern, not a reprimand. Perhaps, as you say, we're champions at missing the obvious, or putting a superficial slant on Jesus' words. "Superficial" would, in this case, include assuming that Jesus was just making statements of blame... which I don't believe is the case at all. And note that Jesus addresses Martha's feelings/attitude, <b>not</b> her actions. Martha has gotten an undeservedly bad rap, in all kinds of ways. I’ve wondered in the past if it wasn’t a “What does she think she’s doing, hanging out in there? She should be helping me in here!”

Agreed completely that this is a very misread passage, especially the “anxious and troubled” part, which sounds like genuine concern, not a reprimand. Perhaps, as you say, we’re champions at missing the obvious, or putting a superficial slant on Jesus’ words. “Superficial” would, in this case, include assuming that Jesus was just making statements of blame… which I don’t believe is the case at all. And note that Jesus addresses Martha’s feelings/attitude, not her actions.

Martha has gotten an undeservedly bad rap, in all kinds of ways.

]]> By: jaklumen http://emphaticasterisk.com/2008/05/08/marthas-problem/#comment-1237 jaklumen Thu, 08 May 2008 23:26:57 +0000 http://shushnow.wordpress.com/?p=117#comment-1237 <i>and then making everyone miserable by chastising them that they need to hurry and clean up before the guest(s) get there</i> I have family members (mostly women) that do that. Very astute post, Shush. I think you're spot on. and then making everyone miserable by chastising them that they need to hurry and clean up before the guest(s) get there

I have family members (mostly women) that do that.

Very astute post, Shush. I think you’re spot on.

]]> By: M54 http://emphaticasterisk.com/2008/05/08/marthas-problem/#comment-1232 M54 Thu, 08 May 2008 20:58:51 +0000 http://shushnow.wordpress.com/?p=117#comment-1232 This Scripture would not be much of a stretch to see a modern day woman inviting someone to visit her home and then making everyone miserable by chastising them that they need to hurry and clean up before the guest(s) get there. Martha had good qualities too: Received Jesus (v 38) Served Jesus (v 40; Jn. 12:2 First to go to Hi when in need (Jn. 11:20, 30) Mary also had good qualities: Sat at Jesus' feet (v39) Heard His word (v 39) Put first things first (v 42) Anointed Jesus (Jn. 11:2; 12:3) Had faith in Him (Jn. 11:32) One of nine persons to fall down before Jesus (Jn. 11:32) You could be correct in that Martha's problem was selfishness. "Come to my house". That surely could be an impure heart of pride. This Scripture would not be much of a stretch to see a modern day woman inviting someone to visit her home and then making everyone miserable by chastising them that they need to hurry and clean up before the guest(s) get there.

Martha had good qualities too:
Received Jesus (v 38)
Served Jesus (v 40; Jn. 12:2
First to go to Hi when in need (Jn. 11:20, 30)

Mary also had good qualities:
Sat at Jesus’ feet (v39)
Heard His word (v 39)
Put first things first (v 42)
Anointed Jesus (Jn. 11:2; 12:3)
Had faith in Him (Jn. 11:32)
One of nine persons to fall down before Jesus (Jn. 11:32)

You could be correct in that Martha’s problem was selfishness. “Come to my house”. That surely could be an impure heart of pride.

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