Into the village he went—
The village of Bethany,
The Nazarene, the man of power,
Of gentle dignity.
And into her house did Martha receive him,
Hastening to render with housewifely care
Of the best she might give of service there.
But Mary sat down at his feet and heard
With open heart the Christly word:
Joy of serving within her stirred.
Irksome the task to Martha,
For sense of burden lay;
Cumbered was she with much serving
Material thought that day.
Lord, dost thou not care that I serve alone?
Bid now my sister that she may heed,
And come and help me in my need.
Not seeing the gift that she might share,
Knowing only a burden to bear,
Martha came to the Master there.
Martha, Martha! So tenderly
Did Jesus speak the word,
Self-pity fled, and in that place
Love's sweet rebuke was heard:
One thing is needful, and Mary shall prove
That good part is hers—through power of love.
Then to her serving did Martha go
With joy in her purpose, for now she did know
That blessing was hers through the Master's word:
But one thing is needful—service with God.
