Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38-42

[38] Now  as  they  went,  he  entered  into  a certain  village:  and  a certain  woman  named  Martha  received  him  into  her  [39] And  she  a sister  called  Mary,  which  also  sat  feet,  and heard  his  word.  [40] But  Martha  was cumbered  about  much  serving,  and  came to him,  and said,  Lord,  not  care  that  sister  hath left  to serve  alone?  bid  her  therefore  that  she help  [41] And  answered  and said  unto her,  Martha,  thou art careful  and  about  many things:  [42] But  one thing  needful:  and  Mary  hath chosen  that good  part,  which  not  be taken away  her. 

What does Luke 10:38-42 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This is another incident involving women who became disciples of Jesus (cf. Luke 8:1-3; et al.). Like the parable of the Good Samaritan it shows Jesus overcoming prejudice. As the former parable illustrated the meaning of the second commandment, this one elucidates the first commandment. Jesus had claimed to be the revealer of God to humankind ( Luke 10:22). Now the disciples learned again the importance of listening to Him (cf. Luke 8:1-21; et al.).
"He [1] 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." [2]