Luke 10:38-42 is the account of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and her sister Mary, where Martha is busy with preparations while Mary sits listening to him. Jesus gently tells Martha that Mary has chosen the one thing that matters most, and the passage has been read for centuries as a lesson about priorities in devotion and daily work. The story appears in Luke’s Gospel shortly after the parable of the Good Samaritan, in a section where Jesus is teaching his disciples what it means to live under God’s kingdom.
38 As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” 41 Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42 (WEB)
Luke 10:38-42 Summary
Jesus arrives at a village and is welcomed into a house by a woman named Martha. Her sister Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to him, while Martha is pulled in many directions by the work of hosting a guest. Martha comes to Jesus and asks him to tell Mary to help her, and he answers her by naming her worry and pointing to Mary’s choice.
The turning point is Jesus’ reply, which does not scold hospitality itself but calls Martha to notice what has crowded out her attention. He says that only one thing is truly needed, and that Mary has chosen it. The passage ends with that choice being affirmed as one that will not be taken from her.
Context of Luke 10:38-42
Luke’s Gospel was written to a Gentile audience, probably a Greek-speaking reader named Theophilus, and it presents Jesus as the Savior who welcomes outsiders and the overlooked. Tradition ascribes the book to Luke, the companion of Paul. The verses just before this scene give the parable of the Good Samaritan, where a neighbor’s compassion in action is the model of love, so the reader is already thinking about what faithful life looks like when it is practical.
Luke then moves from a story about active service to one about attentive listening, which can be read as a deliberate pairing. Neither scene sets action against devotion as enemies; instead, the surrounding chapter helps the reader hold both together and asks which one should shape the other.
Luke 10:38-42 Verse by Verse
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
(WEB)
Paul’s counsel to bring every anxiety to God in prayer echoes Jesus’ gentle concern for Martha. It shows that the remedy for worry is not more effort but turning toward God with what troubles us.
Psalm 27:4
One thing I have asked of the LORD, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, to see the LORD’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple.
(WEB)
David’s longing to dwell in the Lord’s house and gaze on his beauty expresses the same desire as Mary’s choice. It reminds the reader that the greatest good is simply being near God.
A Prayer Based on Luke 10:38-42
Lord, I confess that my days often fill up with tasks that feel urgent, and I end up anxious and troubled about many things. Like Martha, I want to serve well, but I forget to sit still and listen to you. Teach me to notice what is truly needed, and give me the courage to choose it, even when the list in front of me is long. Help me to bring my worries to you honestly, and let my hands do their work from a heart that rests in your presence. Keep the good part of Mary’s choice close to me today, so that it is never taken from me. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jesus criticizing Martha for being a good host?
No, Jesus does not condemn hospitality or the work of serving guests. His gentle correction is aimed at the anxiety and distraction that had taken over Martha’s heart, not at the service itself.
What is the one thing needed in Luke 10:38-42?
The text does not name it in exact words, but the context points toward attentive listening to Jesus and a heart centered on him. Mary’s choice to sit and hear his word is presented as the good part.
Why is Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet significant?
That posture was the position of a student learning from a teacher. Luke shows Mary receiving instruction, which affirms her place among those who listen to Jesus.
