Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions..” ( Luke 12:13-14)

Here Jesus emphatically disconnects from the person who made the appeal to have his share of an inheritance. Jesus barely addresses the man, but turns instead to the crowd with a warning. Jesus has no sympathy or concern for this appeal.

This is a big contrast to another appeal from a sibling: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, “you are worried about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.” ( Luke 10:40-41)

This time Jesus repeats Martha’s name and identifies with both women. He engages entirely, and even decides in favor of Mary, as he identifies with Martha as well, calling her twice by name.

These cases of siblings seem similar, but they are very different in the response they receive from Jesus. One he rejects, while the other he embraces. Maybe the difference is simply that Mary and Martha were close friends of Jesus, and the other request came from a stranger; but Jesus’ vehemence in rejecting the latter shows his disgust to the one who wants part of his inheritance. Jesus sends a warning to the crowd against greed.

Mary, on the other hand, receives high praise from the son of God. Mary simply sits quietly at Jesus’ feet and listens as he talks with his disciples. She risks her sister’s anger, but stays there anyway.

How many times have I prayed for material things instead of for an opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet? Jesus has no trouble dealing with siblings. He knows the hearts of each of us,and goes directly to the core, which is not the sibling, but himself, and our relationship to him. “When he hears bitterness and greed in the young man, Jesus withdraws with a warning. When he hears concern for “many things” Jesus uses words we all long to hear: the “better part won’t be taken away from her.” That our love for Jesus will not be taken away is a very great promise indeed.

Love in Him,

Prue