Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
What does Luke 10:38-42 mean?
Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 reveals a critical tension between action and devotion. Martha, busy with hospitality, becomes frustrated with Mary, who chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Jesus gently corrects Martha, emphasizing that Mary has chosen the “better part,” highlighting the importance of prioritizing time with him over distractions. This passage calls believers to evaluate whether busyness is pulling them away from intimacy with Christ.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 10:38-42 and Commentary
Luke 10:38 – Welcoming Jesus into the Home
“Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” (Luke 10:38, NRSV)
Jesus and his disciples are traveling when they arrive at a village, later identified as Bethany (John 11:1). Martha takes the initiative to welcome Jesus, offering hospitality—a significant cultural expectation in the ancient world. Her invitation reflects her love for Jesus and her recognition of his importance.
Hospitality was deeply embedded in Jewish life, rooted in passages such as Genesis 18, where Abraham welcomes divine visitors. Jesus himself instructed his disciples in Luke 9:4 and Luke 10:7 to accept the hospitality of those who receive them. Martha’s actions align with this expectation, yet the passage soon reveals a deeper lesson about priorities.
Luke 10:39 – Mary’s Choice to Sit at Jesus’ Feet
“She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.” (Luke 10:39, NRSV)
In contrast to Martha’s active hospitality, Mary assumes the posture of a disciple—sitting at Jesus’ feet. This phrase was commonly used to describe the relationship between a rabbi and his student (see Acts 22:3). Mary’s choice defies cultural norms, as women were generally expected to serve rather than sit among male disciples. (Read more about the women in Jesus’ ministry)
This moment mirrors Psalm 27:4, where the psalmist longs to “dwell in the house of the Lord” and gaze upon his beauty. It also foreshadows Jesus’ words in John 15:4, where he calls his followers to abide in him. Mary’s choice reflects the heart of discipleship—prioritizing Jesus above all else.
Luke 10:40 – Martha’s Distraction and Frustration
“But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’” (Luke 10:40, NRSV)
Martha’s frustration boils over. She is burdened with the demands of serving and feels abandoned by Mary. Her words echo the disciples’ question in Mark 4:38, when they ask, “Teacher, do you not care?” This question stems from feeling overwhelmed, yet it also implies that Jesus should intervene on her behalf.
Martha’s distraction is not sinful—service is good and necessary. However, she has allowed it to consume her, pulling her focus away from Jesus. The Greek word used for “distracted” (περισπάω, perispao) suggests being pulled in multiple directions. This is a warning for believers today: even good things can become spiritual hindrances if they replace time with Jesus.
Luke 10:41 – Jesus’ Gentle Rebuke
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things.’” (Luke 10:41, NRSV)
Jesus responds not with condemnation but with love. Repeating her name, as seen elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Luke 22:31, “Simon, Simon”), signals deep compassion. He acknowledges her distress but gently corrects her perspective.
Martha’s worry and distraction mirror the concerns Jesus warned about in Luke 8:14, where the cares of life choke out the word. Her actions, while well-intentioned, reveal a heart weighed down by busyness. This is a powerful reminder that our service must flow from worship, not replace it.
Luke 10:42 – The Better Part
“There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:42, NRSV)
Jesus shifts the focus from Martha’s tasks to what truly matters: intimacy with him. “The better part” refers to the priority of being with Jesus over being busy for him. This does not mean serving is wrong but that it must be secondary to sitting in his presence.
This echoes Deuteronomy 8:3—“one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Mary exemplifies this truth by choosing the lasting over the temporary. Her choice aligns with Jesus’ call in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom of God.”
Luke 10:38-42 Meaning for Today
Martha and Mary’s story is not about choosing between service and devotion but about keeping them in balance. It is easy to become so consumed with responsibilities that we neglect time with Jesus. Martha’s mistake was not her service but allowing it to distract her from Christ.
Many believers today struggle with this tension. Some, like Martha, are caught in the whirlwind of busyness. Others, like Mary, prioritize worship but may struggle to engage in service. The Church needs both—action rooted in devotion.
Ultimately, this passage invites us to ask: Are we too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet? Have we allowed distractions to pull us away from him? The “better part” is always found in Christ, and nothing can take it from us.
FAQ About Jesus Visiting Martha and Mary
Who were Mary and Martha in the Bible?
Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in Bethany and were close friends of Jesus. They are also mentioned in John 11, where their brother Lazarus is raised from the dead.
What does the story of Mary and Martha teach us?
It teaches the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus over distractions. While service is valuable, devotion to Christ must come first.
Why did Jesus say Mary chose the better part?
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, valuing his presence above all else. Jesus affirmed this as the most important pursuit in life.
How can we apply the lesson of Mary and Martha today?
We should examine our lives to see if busyness is pulling us away from God. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer, scripture, and worship helps keep our priorities aligned.
Did Jesus rebuke Martha?
Jesus gently corrected Martha’s focus, showing compassion rather than condemnation. His words invited her into a deeper relationship with him.
