Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, who welcome Jesus into their home. Martha is busy with the work of hosting, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to him, and Jesus says that Mary has chosen the one thing that matters most. The passage is about where our attention belongs when there is much to do.
It comes right after the parable of the Good Samaritan, in Luke’s account of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. The story moves from the public call to love a neighbor to a quiet scene inside a private house.
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 the home of a woman named Martha. Her sister Mary settles down beside him to listen, while Martha is pulled in many directions by the work of serving a guest. She finally comes to Jesus and asks him to tell Mary to help her.
Jesus answers her gently but directly. He names her anxiety and the many things that trouble her, then says that only one thing is truly needed. Mary has chosen that thing, and it will not be taken from her.
Context of Luke 10:38-42
The Gospel of Luke was written, traditionally attributed to Luke the companion of Paul, for a readership that included Gentile believers and people who wanted an orderly account of Jesus. Luke gives special attention to hospitality, meals, women, and the poor, and this scene fits those interests well. The surrounding verses end the Good Samaritan parable with the command to “go and do likewise,” which is a call to active love.
Read against that background, the Martha and Mary story does not set action against devotion in a simple way. Luke has just shown that loving others is central, and now he shows that the one who loves must also sit at the Lord’s feet to receive his word. Both belong together, and the passage asks which must come first.
Luke 10:38-42 Verse by Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
This verse calls God’s people to stop their striving and recognize who he is. Like Mary, the psalmist invites us into a quiet acknowledgment of the Lord before we act. It pairs well with Jesus’ words about the one thing that is needed.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Paul addresses the same anxiety that troubled Martha and offers a remedy in prayer. He describes a peace that guards the heart and mind, which is the settled rest Mary had found at Jesus’ feet.
A Prayer Based on Luke 10:38-42
Lord Jesus, you welcome me as you welcomed Martha and Mary into their home. I confess that my days often fill with tasks that push out the quiet hours I need with you. Help me to notice the many things that trouble my heart and to bring them to you before I rush ahead. Teach me to sit at your feet and listen to your word, so that my work flows from love rather than worry. Keep me close to the one thing that is needed, and let the good part you have chosen for me remain with me all day. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jesus criticizing Martha for serving?
No, Jesus does not condemn Martha’s hospitality or her work. He gently points out that her anxiety and distraction have pulled her away from what matters most. The emphasis falls on the priority of listening to him above all else.
What is the “one thing” Jesus says is needed?
The passage does not spell out the phrase in a single word, but the context points to attention to Jesus and his word. Mary’s choice to sit and listen shows what that one thing looks like in practice. It is the foundation from which all other service grows.
How does this passage relate to the Good Samaritan just before it?
The parable ends with the command to go and do likewise, which calls for active love toward others. The Martha and Mary scene follows immediately and shows that such love must rest on time spent receiving Jesus’ word. Both action and devotion belong together in the life of a disciple.
