When we see people that are impoverished and people who are dealt an unfair hand, then if we have the power to help them, we should try to do that. —John Legend
One sister is working her tail off in the kitchen, while the other is curled up at the feet of Jesus in a room full of men, listening to the rabbi teach. The sister who is hot and overwhelmed in the kitchen complains to the rabbi, but the rabbi says,
“You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
And today, we read it and think, it’s better to go to church than it is to cook breakfast.
But think about it. Really. Until Jesus, that sitting sister never had the choice. Sitting at the feet of a rabbi to be taught was not even allowed unless you were male. Jesus initiated the opportunity for women to become disciples, and it was a radical move.
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
Where are you on that list? I’m not of Jewish descent, so I would have been a Gentile. What about you? Are you someone who struggles on minimum wage, or are you free to make financial decisions at your leisure? Are you male or are you female?
The truth is that we are disciples of Christ only because Jesus confronted favoritism and invited all to sit at His feet. Why would He do this? Because Jesus knows that our highest calling is never found in categorical labels. Our highest calling is found in Christ.
There will be no more favoritism in the body of Christ; there will only be invitation. There is plenty of room at His feet.
Jesus, I don’t fully understand the radical change You brought into the world, but I know you set people free. All people! Amen.