D. Martha and Mary (10:38–42)
D. Martha and Mary (10:38–42)
This story is found nowhere else. Luke appears not to have placed it in chronological sequence, for Bethany was near Jerusalem and at a later time Jesus was still far from the capital (17:11). He may have placed it immediately after the preceding parable as a safeguard against any of his readers coming under the misapprehension that salvation is by works. He makes the point that waiting quietly on the Lord is more important than bustling busy-ness.
38. Both time, as they went on their way, and place, a village, are left vague. Elsewhere we find that Martha and Mary lived in Bethany (John 11:1), about 2 miles from Jerusalem. Here the house is said to be Martha’s and the impression we get is that she was the elder of the two sisters and the hostess.
39–40. Mary (the name is ‘Mariam’, the Greek form of the Hebrew ‘Miriam’) sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. She was taking full advantage of her opportunity. Martha, distracted with much serving, did not approve. We get the impression that she wanted to do something special for Jesus. The result was unnecessarily elaborate provision and much serving. Hardworking Martha was distracted. When she could stand it no longer she asked Jesus to intervene. There is reproach of Jesus in her do you not care …? And of Mary in my sister has left me to serve alone. Her solution is, Tell her then to help me.
41–42. Jesus’ reply is tender. Martha, Martha perhaps shows that Jesus tended at times to use doubled words (cf. 22:31; John 1:51, etc.). He contrasts Martha’s ‘fretting and fussing about so many things’ (NEB) with the one thing that is really needful. Some good MSS read ‘few things are needful, or only one’. Whichever reading we adopt, Jesus is saying that Martha is worried over too many things. Life has few real necessities and at need we can do without much on which we lavish time. The one thing is not defined, but clearly it finds expression in Mary’s sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning from him. It is the attitude of dependence on Jesus that matters. Some commentators refer it to food: they think Jesus is saying that one dish is all that is needed, not Martha’s elaborate meal. But the language does not support this, especially that referring to Mary’s choice. She has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her. The right spiritual attitude is a possession we need never fear losing.