MPV Commentary

38. The village where Jesus stayed was Bethany (John 11:1), which Luke doesn't mention again.

Martha received him in her house, indicating that it belonged to her and she appeared to be the older sister throughout this account.

39. Mary, on the other hand, sat at his feet, listening intently to his word. This phrase "sitting at one's feet" came from the custom of sitting beneath an instructor, signifying a disciple or learner (Acts 22:3).

40. Martha was distracted by her many tasks and responsibilities, while Mary had left her sister to serve alone in order to listen to Jesus' teaching.

Martha approached him, saying, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work? I'm missing out on your words because of this." She didn't interrupt his teaching or ask him to stop speaking, but rather expressed her concern for her sister's absence.

41. Jesus responded emphatically, addressing Martha by name twice: "Martha, Martha." He pointed out that she was anxious and worried about preparing a meal, while also being busy with many tasks (Luke 10:40).

42. In contrast, Mary had chosen the better part – not in terms of choosing good over evil, but rather selecting one way to serve and please the Lord over another. Jesus' words "one thing is needed" suggest that this choice was not just about simplicity or economy, but also about the relative importance of spiritual preparation compared to earthly concerns.

Mary's choice would never be taken away from her, as it was a spiritual and eternal decision. Both Martha and Mary were devoted disciples, but they represented different aspects of the Christian character: Martha embodied the active, practical side, while Mary exemplified the contemplative, listening aspect. A church with only one type of disciple would be unbalanced – both are necessary to complement each other.