top of page

Knowing The Word in Luke 10:38-42


Martha and Mary

10:38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”


Comments

The story of Martha and Mary is also unique to Luke. It appears that Martha owns the home, is the hostess, and is older than Mary. She is the one who invites Jesus into her house. Mary, taking full advantage of the opportunity, sits and listens to everything Jesus has to say. Martha, being “distracted with much serving,” implying more than would be expected, builds up a resentment of Mary. Is she trying to serve or trying to impress? She asks Jesus a question with a tone of reproach for both Jesus and Mary. Jesus sees right into her heart. Martha is worried over too many things. Life really has few necessities on which we need to spend time. It is Mary’s attitude of dependence on Jesus that is the good portion and the one necessary thing.


Application

What lesson do you get from this story for yourself? Does it make you rethink what is necessary in your life? What should you focus on and what should you give up, especially in your critical thinking about others that could improve your relationships with them?


Prayer

Father in Heaven, help me, through your Spirit, to sit at the feet of Jesus, taking in what is important to him and to you, that I may love the things that you love and do the things for others that he does.

Comments


Featured Posts
Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
Recent Posts
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square
bottom of page