38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38-42 KJV)
Martha and Mary
We may observe in this story the entertainment Martha gave to Christ and his disciples at her house (Luke 10:38). As they went, Jesus and his disciples entered a certain village—Bethany, near Jerusalem, which Christ took in his way. Our Lord Jesus went about doing good (Acts 10:38), bringing his grace and light wherever he went. Wherever Christ went, his disciples went with him. He honored country villages with his presence and not just the large cities, for he valued privacy and showed favor to the humble and poor.
Martha received him into her house and made him welcome, for she was the housekeeper. Our Lord Jesus, when he was on earth, was so poor that he depended on the hospitality of his friends. Though he was Zion’s King, he had no house of his own in Jerusalem or nearby. Some were Christ’s close friends whom he visited often. He loved this family (John 11:5) and often came to them. Christ’s visits were tokens of his love (John 14:23). It was called Martha’s house, likely because she was a widow and in charge. Though entertaining Christ was costly—since he came with his disciples—she was glad to do it. Though it had become dangerous to welcome Christ so close to Jerusalem, she risked it for his name’s sake. Though many rejected him, she welcomed him. Though he was widely spoken against, there were still some who loved him and whom he loved.
Mary, Martha’s sister, attended to Christ’s word (Luke 10:39). It seems that as soon as Jesus entered the house, before they served him, he began teaching. Mary sat to hear him, indicating that it was a continued discourse. A good sermon is no less valuable for being preached in a home. We should turn friendly visits to spiritual advantage. Mary, having this opportunity, sat to learn from Christ, not knowing when she would have such a chance again. Since Christ is ready to speak, we should be ready to hear.
She sat at his feet, showing close attention and humility. Her mind was focused and ready to receive everything Christ said. She sat like a scholar before a teacher, ready to learn. Paul was said to be brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. Sitting at Christ’s feet shows our readiness to receive his word and our submission to it. We must either sit at Christ’s feet now or be made his footstool later. But if we sit at his feet now, we shall sit with him on his throne one day.
Martha, meanwhile, was distracted by much serving (Luke 10:40). That’s why she wasn’t sitting with Mary, listening to Christ. She was busy preparing for the guests. Perhaps Christ’s visit was unexpected, and she was unprepared but eager to make everything right for such an important occasion. Those who run households know the bustle involved in entertaining many guests.
There was something commendable in her behavior. She showed genuine respect for Christ. We may assume she didn’t serve to show off but to honor him. Those who truly love Christ are glad to use their means for his sake. She also took care of her household duties. From the respect this family received (John 11:19), we gather they were of some standing. Yet Martha didn’t think it beneath her to personally manage the work. It is a housekeeper’s duty to oversee the household. Too much concern with appearances and comfort can lead to neglect.
Yet there was also something blameworthy. She was concerned with much serving, aiming for a grand feast—abundant and perfectly arranged. She was anxious about making everything just right. It doesn’t suit Christ’s disciples to desire such extravagance. What need is there for much serving when a little would suffice? She was burdened by it, even distracted. Whatever duties God’s providence gives us, we must not be overwhelmed or troubled by them. Care is good and our duty, but to be cumbered is sin and folly. Martha let this business keep her from Christ’s teaching. Worldly matters become a snare when they hinder our spiritual growth.
Martha complained to Christ about Mary not helping her (Luke 10:40): “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” This complaint showed her worldliness. She was upset enough to appeal to Christ to rebuke her sister. Worldly anxieties often stir up tension in families. Those who are worldly often resent those who are more spiritual, as if they were neglecting practical matters. Martha, in her agitation, expected Christ to take her side and rebuke Mary. But we must be careful when appealing to God—he will not support our selfish complaints. We may cast on him the burdens he gives us, not the ones we bring upon ourselves.
Martha’s complaint was also a discouragement to Mary’s devotion. Instead of commending her sister’s focus on Christ, she tried to have her removed from it. It is not unusual for zealous believers to face opposition from friends and loved ones, not just from enemies. David’s fasting and his dancing before the ark were criticized too.
Christ reproved Martha for her inordinate care (Luke 10:41). Though he was her guest, he still corrected her. She appealed to him, but he ruled against her: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary.” Christ reproves those he loves. If anything is wrong in them, they will hear about it. He used her name, repeating it to express his deep concern. Those tangled in worldly cares must be called again and again. The reproof was for being so anxious and troubled about many things. He didn’t want her to think that a lavish feast would please him, especially not if it required putting others under strain. Christ reproved the intensity of her worry—“you are anxious and troubled”—and the extent of it—“about many things.” She was grasping after too much, which led to many disappointments. Less would have sufficed.
The heart of the issue was that only one thing is truly necessary. Some think this refers to Martha preparing many dishes when one would have done. This gives us a lesson in temperance—to be content with simplicity (Proverbs 23:1–3). Others interpret it as a call to focus the heart on one thing: devotion to God. The “one thing needful” certainly refers to what Mary chose—sitting at Christ’s feet. She was distracted by many things when she should have focused on one. Godliness unites the heart, while the world divides it. Martha’s activities were good in their proper time and place. But in that moment, something far more important called for her attention. She thought Christ would side with her and scold Mary, but instead, he sided with Mary and corrected Martha. The day will come when Martha will wish she had done as Mary did.
Christ commended Mary for her serious devotion: “Mary has chosen the good part.” Mary said nothing in her defense, but since Martha appealed to Christ, she trusted his judgment—and he justified her.
She wisely chose what truly mattered. The one thing she did—listening to Christ and submitting to him—was the wisest course. Serious godliness is the one thing needful. Nothing else will do us lasting good in this world, and only this will follow us into eternity.
She also did well for herself. Christ defended Mary’s choice. Even if people criticize us for our devotion, Christ will stand up for us. Let us not condemn the zeal of others, lest Christ stand against us. Let us not be discouraged when criticized for our zeal, for Christ is our defender. Sooner or later, Mary’s choice will be justified—and so will all who choose likewise. Christ praised her wisdom: “She has chosen the good part.” She chose to be with Christ and to serve him with her heart, which was better than preparing a grand meal for him. By taking in his word, she honored him more than Martha did by feeding him.
A portion with Christ is a good portion—one that lasts forever. It is for the soul and for eternity. It is what Christ gives to his people (John 13:8; Hebrews 3:14; Romans 8:17). And it cannot be taken away. Earthly portions will certainly be taken from us, or we from them. But nothing can separate us from the love of Christ or our part in it—not men, not devils, not even God, who has promised it.
It is every person’s duty and wisdom to choose this good part—to make God’s service our main business and his favor our greatest treasure, seeking Christ for both. In specific moments, we must choose what leads us closer to God and benefits our souls. Mary had a choice—to help Martha and gain the reputation of a fine hostess, or to sit at Christ’s feet and show she was a devoted disciple. Christ judged her general character by this particular choice.
Those who choose the good part will not only receive it—they will have their choice publicly commended on the great day.