We can behold Christ in our human spirit. It is “THE ONE THING NECESSARY” (according to Jesus).
One of the greatest privileges in life is to behold and hear Jesus in the inner throne room of our human spirit, where we are one with Him. Jesus spoke of a “good part”, a place –I referring to as “the Mary place”.

In Luke 10:38-42 we have the record of what occurred when Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Mary, and Martha. In this event Jesus is illustrating how we may abide in Him.

Martha first welcomed Christ into their home, but from there, she and Mary took very different places, both physically and spiritually (in their heart attitudes).

Do you remember the story? What place did Mary take? She took a seat at the feet of Jesus, a place of rest and peace. This is not a place of outer activity (although outer activity can certainly proceed out of this place). Rather, she is quietly beholding Jesus and listening to what He is saying.

What about Martha? The Bible says she is “distracted.” That means that something has taken her attention away from what she should be giving her attention to. What distracted Martha? verse 40 tells us, “Martha was distracted with all her preparations…” Her preparations were, no doubt, directed toward or done “for” Christ, but they were nonetheless distractions! Martha demands that Jesus (verse 40), “…tell her (sister Mary) to help me” feeling overwhelmed. She tries to entangle Jesus in her emotional dysfunction, soliciting his help to achieve her agenda. Selfish and sinful tendencies of the flesh always focus what we want, our needs to the exclusion of those around us.

Martha’s words not only interrupted Jesus’ conversation with Mary but are accusatory and offensive. She accuses Jesus of not caring about all her preparations. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?” This accusation originates with “…the accuser of the brethren” –Satan.

Notice: CHRIST’S SIGNIFICANT AFFIRMATION

First, Jesus affirms Mary. “Mary has chosen the good part…” We all need affirmation when being falsely accused. Sin will attempt to accuse us that we are in the wrong place, doing the wrong thing. Second, Jesus’ response to Martha’s accusation is one of compassion and concern rather than reaction. In Verse 41 Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things.” Jesus does not scold her for her offensive and inappropriate interruption, but He spoke her name endearingly, appealing to her wounded and anxious heart. He meets her where she is “spiritually stuck,” and gently takes her where she needs to go! Isn’t that beautiful?
There is a progression in our Lord’s response, as He brings it all down to what is necessary. He told Martha, “You are worried and bothered about so Many things. Then He said, “But only a few things are necessary.” The He narrows it down further: “Really only one.” “…for Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her.” What is “the good part”? It is being attentive to God. Enjoying Jesus, basking in His presence. It is sitting at Jesus’ feet, giving Him full attention. Can you picture yourself there? Looking into the eyes of your Lord!

Jesus had come to Mary’s house! She was spellbound! She was not giving him a tour…The cares of the world were not even present in that moment! She was lost in oneness with Him. Mary was experiencing what Martha was longing for and did not even know it! The one thing necessary, “the good part”, is being seated at Jesus’ feet, beholding Him, and listening to His voice. Is there any place you would rather be than this? Imagine sitting there and speaking with Him. What questions would you ask Him? Imagine the revelation, the insight, the love, and affirmation you would receive from Him.
This is the place for Mary, for Martha, and for us! What did Jesus mean when He said that this place would not be taken away from Mary? It surely was not that Christ would stay in their home forever; the crowds were clamoring for His attention outside. Christ was not referring to His physical presence but His spiritual presence with them. John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

CHRIST YEARNS FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP; TO HAVE US WHERE HE IS!

John 14:17 Jesus said, “…the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” Jesus was pointing both Mary and Martha to an inner, spiritual union that they would soon share with Him (after His death), where He would ALWAYS BE WITH THEM! Hebrews 13:5 “…I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”

Jesus is telling us what THE ONE NECESSARY THING is in the Christian life. Synonyms for necessary include needed, required, crucial, vital. In other words, you cannot live without it! Jesus Himself says that Christians cannot live without beholding, listening to, and sitting at His feet! This seated-at-His-feet relationship MUST BE IN PLACE in order for your life to function as it is designed… Life As God Intended.

What is the APPLICATION FOR US TODAY? Where is Jesus located today, with respect to you? 1 Corinthians 6:17 says, “the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” Can you be any closer to Jesus than you are right now as a Christian? No! You are as close to Jesus as you are to yourself!

Where is the place that you can be seated with Him? Is it the place you meet Him during your devotional time? No. Jesus is not referring to a physical place here. Ephesians 2:6 (God) “…raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.” It is true that we cannot be with Christ physically until we meet Him face to face after we die physically. But to be seated with Him spiritually, there is no waiting until heaven. You are there, presently seated with Him – in your human spirit. So even today, 2,000 years later, we can take Mary’s place. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The same Christ who met with Mary is now abiding in your house (you). He is waiting for you to participate with Him, to sit down in His presence and Behold Him, Listen to Him, to experience Him in intimate, one-spirit relationship.