And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha . There are several notable instances of this repetition of the name by the Master in the New Testament story, and in each case apparently in pitying love. So "Simon, Simon," in Luke 22:31 , and "Saul, Saul," in Acts 9:4 . read more
But one thing is needful . Jesus had been saying to this kindly but over-fussy friend, "Are you not too anxious about these household cares of yours?" and then he adds, "See, only one thing is really needful." Now, what is the exact meaning of these last words? Some expositors have taken the expression to mean "a single dish is sufficient" for my entertainment; so much careful, anxious thought is thrown away. A curious variation in the reading occurs here in some, though not in all the... read more
Thou art careful - Thou art anxious.Troubled - Disturbed, distracted, very solicitous.Many things - The many objects which excite your attention in the family. This was probably designed as a slight reproof, or a tender hint that she was improperly anxious about those things, and that she should, with Mary, rather choose to hear the discourses of heavenly wisdom. read more
But one thing is needful - That is, religion, or piety. This is eminently and especially needful. Other things are of little importance. This should be secured first, and then all other things will be added. See 1 Timothy 4:8; Matthew 6:33.That good part - The portion of the gospel; the love of God, and an interest in his kingdom. She had chosen to be a Christian, and to give up her time and affections to God.Which shall not be taken away - God will not take away his grace from his people,... read more
Luke 10:38-42. It came to pass as they went As they journeyed to Jerusalem, whither it seems he was going to celebrate the feast of dedication: he entered into a certain village Namely, Bethany, nigh to Jerusalem; and a certain woman named Martha received him Martha was probably the elder sister, and, Grotius thinks, a widow, with whom her brother and sister lived. At least, she was now the housekeeper, and acted as the mistress of the family. And she had a sister called Mary Who,... read more
84. Jesus in the house of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)There must have been much tension in Jesus’ heart as he steadily moved closer to the climax of his work. But with his disciples in need of his teaching and people everywhere in need of his help, he had little time for relaxation. Therefore, to get away from the crowd, he stopped for some quiet fellowship at the house of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38). (Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, lived in the village of Bethany, just... read more
Martha, Martha. Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 . See note on Genesis 22:11 . careful . See note on Matthew 6:25 . troubled = agitated. Greek. turbazomai. Occurs only here. read more
one thing , &c. = of one of [them] is there need. Not the unspiritual idea of "one dish", as there were not two or more as in our days. The Lord referred not to Martha's serving, but to her over-care. read more
But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.The one thing needful ... This can be nothing except hearing the word of the Lord; that is what Mary was doing, and it was the thing which Jesus refused to interrupt on behalf of lesser human obligation. The application is timeless: whatever the duties of men, whether real or imagined,... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 10:38-42
Christ at Bethany. There are few places at which we so much like to think of our Lord's presence as Bethany. We like to think that there the Son of man, who had not where to lay his head, did find a home; that there, away from the conspiracies of those who hated him, he found a refuge with those who loved him. We like to think that there he found a diligent disciple in one sister, and an assiduous and eager ministrant in the other. We must carefully consider— I. THE COMPARISON ... read more