Luke 10:39-42
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:39-42: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 39: “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”
Mary is depicted as a devoted disciple. She sits at Jesus’ feet, a position of learning and humility. This shows her desire to absorb His teachings. It highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.
Verse 40: “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'”
Martha is preoccupied with household duties. Her frustration is evident as she feels burdened by the tasks. She seeks Jesus’ intervention, showing her belief in His authority. This verse contrasts Martha’s focus on service with Mary’s focus on learning.
Verse 41: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things,'”
Jesus addresses Martha with compassion. The repetition of her name signifies His gentle rebuke. He acknowledges her anxiety and distractions. This verse underscores the tension between worldly concerns and spiritual focus.
Verse 42: “‘but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters. He affirms Mary’s choice to focus on His teachings. This verse teaches that spiritual growth is paramount and enduring. It reassures that choosing to follow Jesus’ teachings is the right path.