A Listening Ear Like Mary: Learning to Sit With Jesus Every Day

Mary and Martha Meet Jesus

In Luke 10, Jesus comes to a small town named Bethany. Two sisters live there. One is Martha. The other is Mary. Martha opens her home to Jesus. That is kind and brave. Many people come with Him. The house is full.

Martha runs around. She cooks and she cleans. She wants everything to be just right. While she works hard, Mary does something very different. She sits at the feet of Jesus. She listens to every word He says (Luke 10:38–39).

Martha feels alone in the work. She gets upset. She looks out and sees Mary just sitting there. Martha thinks this is wrong. She says to Jesus, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?” (Luke 10:40). She wants Jesus to tell Mary to help.

Jesus Talks to Martha

Jesus does not yell at Martha. He loves her. He says her name two times. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:41–42). Jesus sees her busy hands. He also sees her busy heart.

He says Mary made the right choice. Mary “has chosen the good part.” Jesus says no one can take this from her. The food will be eaten. The plates will get dirty again. But the words of Jesus stay forever. A listening ear like Mary gets a gift that will never be lost.

A Busy World and a Quiet Heart

Our world feels like Martha’s kitchen. Phones ring. Texts buzz. School and work fill our days. There are games, shows, and chores. Many things ask for our time. Our minds can feel very full. We can feel like Martha, “worried and bothered about so many things.”

God wants something better for us. He says, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). A steadfast mind is a mind that does not jump all over the place. It trusts God. It rests in Him. That kind of mind starts with time at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus also says, “My peace I give to you… Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). His peace is not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace ends fast. Jesus’ peace stays, even when life is hard.

How to Have a Listening Ear Like Mary

You may ask, “How can I have a listening ear like Mary?” Here are some simple ways.

First, take a short time each day to read the Bible. You can start with the Gospels. Those books tell about Jesus. Before you read, say, “Lord, help me listen.” Then read slowly. Think about what you read. Ask, “What does this show me about Jesus?” You can write down one thing you learn.

Next, make small quiet times in your day. In the car, you can turn off the music for a few minutes. You can think about a Bible verse. At lunch, you can say a short prayer. You can whisper, “Jesus, I want to hear You.” Little times can help your heart stay close to Him.

Then, try to turn off things that distract you. You can put your phone in another room when you pray. You can say “no” to one extra thing, so you can say “yes” to time with Jesus. Jesus did not say Martha should never cook. He did say that time with Him comes first.

Choosing What Matters Most

Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. One showed her love by serving. One showed her love by sitting and listening. Jesus said Mary chose what mattered most. He invites you to do the same.

You do not have to be perfect. You just need to come and listen. When you make room for a listening ear like Mary, Jesus fills your heart with His peace and His joy. Your day may still be busy. But your soul will feel close to Him.

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