§155. Jesus with Mary and Martha - Priority of a Disciple(Luke 10:38–42)

Introduction

1. This passage is on the priority of a disciple.

2. Must read in the context of the scribe's question of the greatest commandment.

3. Parable of the good Samaritan shows how to love neighbour - focusing on the activity.

4. This portion shows how to love the Lord - focusing on attitude.

5. How not to read this passage: (a) not about woman, but of disciple, (b) condemning activity.

6. Read this passage along with John 11 and 12.

Exposition

38.	Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

1. Village is Bethany two miles from Jerusalem.

39.	And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

1. Sitting at Rabbai's feet is common and usually for men. Jesus shows that the privilege of hearing and fellowship with him is for both men and woman.

40.	But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

1. Distracted with much serving: tyranny of urgent over important, and the curse of assumption.

2. Lord, do you not care? Did she realize to whom she is talking to?

3. Sister has left me to serve alone? Did the Lord asked her serve?

4. Tell her to help me: crossing the boundary of a disciple.

41.	And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

1. Martha Martha: affection of the Lord even in rebuke.

2. Worried and troubled: the real problem is with Martha and not with Mary.

42.	But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

1. One thing: priority of listening to the words of Jesus over all the other good things.

2. Mary has chosen: Decisions in life - choose not the good, but the best.

3. It will not be taken from her: permanent and eternal benefit of being at the feet of Jesus.

Application

1. Deal with distraction: Find out what the Lord wants from you.

2. Deal with relational issues: Explore is there any other divine perspective: about temperament, gifting, calling?

3. Action and Attitude: Like two wings of a plane that needs to be balanced.

About this document ...

Compiled by tfrdn7@gmail.com on 2026-09-13 22:28 for the glory of the Lord