Mary Has Chosen That Good Part

The Story of Mary and Martha as they were hosting Jesus in their home, is found in Luke 10:38-42.  It is an interesting account and one that is a bit difficult to understand.  Let's read:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

References for Luke 10:38

• Cross References

• 35 10:38 - Jn 11:1 ; 12:2

39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

References for Luke 10:39

• Cross References

• 36 10:39 - Jn 11:1 ; 12:3
• 37 10:39 - Lk 8:35

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!”

References for Luke 10:40

• Cross References

• 38 10:40 - Mk 4:38

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,

References for Luke 10:41

• Cross References

• 39 10:41 - Mt 6:25-34 ; Lk 12:11,22

42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^aMary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”     

There are at least 3 accounts of Mary and Martha in the New Testament, from which we learn that they, along with their brother Lazarus, were good friends of Jesus.  In this story we find Jesus enjoying some time with these two women.  There is work to do in preparation, so Martha is working hard to get the work done.  Mary is seemingly slacking, just sitting and listening to Jesus.  Martha becomes perturbed and says so to Jesus, feeling that it is obvious that Mary isn't doing her part to help.

We would likely agree with Martha that Mary should have pitched in to help, especially with such an important guest as Jesus.  But Jesus has a different outlook, and He uses this occasion to make a point, not only to these two ladies, but also to us for all of time.

Jesus is not against serving and working and doing one's job as a good host.  He is simply saying that nothing is as important as sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to the words of Jesus, learning from the Master.  And this is a lesson for us, as well.  We cannot literally sit at His feet, but we have the written Word, the teachings of the Lord, not only from Jesus directly but also from His chosen vessels, the apostles.  No matter what needs to be done in this life, nothing will ever take precedence over the teachings in God's Word, the Bible.

Let us hear this important teaching of Jesus, the Christ.  

Thanks for reading.  Have a blessed week!