Black brush lettering on ivory handmade paper: “When everything asks for your attention, make room to listen to Jesus.”

Mary of Bethany Makes Room to Listen

The next thing needs doing, and then the next. Even a good day can fill every corner of our attention. In Mary and Martha’s home, Jesus makes room for something we can easily hurry past: receiving His words.

Mary has chosen what is better,

(Luke 10:42, NIV, excerpt)

Luke describes Mary listening at Jesus’ feet while Martha is distracted by preparations. Martha asks Jesus to intervene. He answers her with personal care and commends Mary’s attention to Him. Within this household scene, His teaching deserves a place at the center.

Receive before you rush onward

Open the passage and notice what Jesus actually says. Let one part of His teaching hold your attention long enough to understand it, even if your reading happens in an ordinary, interrupted day.

You might ask, “What am I learning about Jesus here? How can I respond to Him?” Listening becomes fruitful as His words shape how we love and act.

If you are caring for others, invite help with a task when it is available. Make space for someone else to receive Scripture too. A family or church can share both the work and the opportunity to learn.

Bring your distracted heart to Jesus honestly. Begin with the attention you can offer today.

A prayer

Jesus, help me receive Your words with an open heart. Settle my attention on what You are teaching, and let that truth shape my service and relationships. Teach us to make room for one another to listen and grow. Amen.

Read Luke 10:38-42 in the NIV.

Keep reading: Remembering the Friends Who Strengthened Your Faith · Praying Together Across Generations.