If you've ever gathered together with a bunch of church ladies, this question has probably come up more than once. It is a reference to the two women in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus had been teaching in Galilee and had stopped to visit his friends in Bethany, Martha and Mary. Sisters, by this account.
Think about this, now. How often have we said that we're surprised by how different two siblings can be? Apparently, that's our Martha and Mary. And, with all the ensuant conflict as well. Martha (I don't think it's a bit ironic that Martha Stewart reigns over the domestic world!) is making a meal - no small feat 2000 years ago. No gas stove, no refridgeration. No sir, this chick probably was butchering and spitting the meat and building the fire in the pit just to get her little dinner party going. (And we whine about the water spots on the crystal!)
Anyway, Mary had the unmitigated gall to sit before Jesus' feet! Sitting on her tush, probably chewing on a piece of jerky with a wine chaser, and waxing poetically about the desert sunsets.
Excuse me! Could I get a little help here!?
