Luke 10:38-42·~1 min

Martha and Mary

Jesus enters a village and is welcomed by Martha, whose sister Mary sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to his message.

A³⁸s they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ³⁹She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message.

Martha is distracted by many preparations and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus answers by naming Martha’s worry and saying that Mary has chosen the good portion that will not be taken away.

⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ⁴¹“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things. ⁴²But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Section summaryJesus enters Martha’s house, where Mary sits at his feet and listens while Martha is pulled in many directions by preparation for the meal. Jesus answers Martha’s complaint by naming her worry and praising Mary’s choice of the one necessary thing.

Role in the chapterThis closing movement sets listening to Jesus above anxious service without dismissing the setting in which the sisters receive him.