Notes on Luke 10:38-42

Jesus proceeded to Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:1). Jesus enters into another opportunity to teach on discipleship.

This was Martha's home. She is mentioned first (cf. Luke 10:38, 39; John 11:19, 20; 12:2, 3, etc.). Martha is busy - very busy (Luke 10:40) - serving, but Mary is busy listening at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:39); the very feet she would later anoint ((John 12:3; cf. Matt. 26:6, 7; Mark 14:3). Martha gets 'frustatrated' and says, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40).

Jesus replies using Martha's name twice, "Martha, Martha," (Luke 10:41) expressing disapproval. Jesus continues, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.a Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42). Martha's preparations may have been unnecessarily elaborate. Mary demonstrated clearly the truth Jesus was bringing out, that devotion to himself is central (cf. Deut. 8:3). Hendriksen says, "Such an elaborate meal was not at all necessary. Besides, there are things which in excellence and importance far surpass eating." Bock states:

Jesus commends the hearing of the word at his feet. To take time out to relate to Jesus is important. The language of the passage recalls Deuteronomy 8:3. In a sense Mary is preparing to partake in the "right meal" (Deut 6:1-8). What she has done by sitting at Jesus' feet will remain with her. This meal will last. Jesus is not so much condemning Martha's activity as commending Mary's. He is saying that her priorities are in order. To disciples Jesus says, "Sit at my feet and devour my teaching. There is no more important meal."

Martha. A disciple of Jesus (John 11:20-27). She was sister to Mary (v. 39) and Lazarus, whom Jesus would raise from the dead (John 11:1-2, 38-44). They were dear friends of Jesus (John 11:3, 5, 32-36).

Mary is an example of the ideal disciple — one who learns from and submits to another. Her posture and attitude showed one under the Lordship of Christ.

overly busy. Hospitality is an important part of Christian discipleship (vv. 4-8; 9:4; Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9-10). However, it distracted Martha from something better (v. 42). not care. Martha's distraction with serving led her to be angry and anxious (v. 41). Apart from Jesus, even ministry can be a temptation to self-pity and resentment.

Martha, Martha. The repetition of the name was a sign of deep affection (see 2 Sam. 18:33; Matt. 23:37). anxious. Martha's preoccupation with the practicalities of service caused her to worry and miss what was most important. necessary. Mary understood that it was best for her to learn from Jesus before trying to serve him. This was especially true in that day when Jesus was physically present. Serving Jesus is good, but sitting at his feet in worship, submission, and learning is necessary to be his disciple.