Luke 10:38-42 At the home of Martha and Mary.
Luke emphasizes that Christ came for all: all sectors of society, all peoples, and both sexes. Samaritans, despised by Jews, are welcome in the Kingdom. Jesus has told the seventy that proclaiming his message demands unswerving commitment. The lawyer has learnt that his love should be for everyone; if it is, he has eternal life.
Now Jesus crosses Jewish cultural bounds:
• he is alone with women who are not his relatives;
• a woman serves him; and
• he teaches a woman in her own house.
To sit at someone’s feet (v. 39) was to be his disciple. Mary is Jesus’ disciple. Martha, while devoted to her home, is “distracted” (v.40) by busy-ness. The “only … thing” (v.42) that is really needed is to listen to Jesus’ message and proclaim it. This is the task that Mary has chosen; her role is exemplary. Jesus values Martha’s role, but Mary’s is “better”.
© 1996-2025 Chris Haslam
Prayer of the Day
O God, you alone can order our unruly wills and affections: teach us to love what you command, and to desire what you promise, that, among the changes and chances of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.