Luke 10:41 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

NIV: Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things,

NASB: But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;

CSB: The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,

NLT: But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

NKJV: And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

The story of Mary and Martha directly follows the parable of the good Samaritan. In that parable, a priest and a Levite fail to show minimal hospitality to a half-dead man left on the side of the road. A Samaritan—supposedly the wounded man's cultural enemy—goes above and beyond, using his own resources and money to make sure the man receives the highest care possible (Luke 10:30–37).

Here, Jesus corrects Martha's attempt to go above and beyond in showing Him hospitality. This is not because hospitality is unwarranted, but because her heart is misaligned. While she means well, and what she does is "good," it is not "best" in this situation. She is "distracted" (Luke 10:40), "anxious," and "troubled." The priest and Levite were distracted, as well, and so neglected to do the "good portion" (Luke 10:42). The Samaritan loved and gave the attention which was needed; so too does Mary.

So even as Jesus corrects Martha, He shows that He recognizes her. He sees her and her struggle. He doesn't simply tell her, "You're doing it wrong." He starts with, "You are anxious and troubled." Then He goes on to show her troubles are self-inflicted. Jesus isn't just saying that Mary is doing the better thing. His point is deeper than a student seeking a good grade in the classroom. He's sensitive to filling Martha's deepest needs. Jesus invites Martha to join in what Mary has chosen. If Martha refuses, Jesus isn't going to sacrifice Mary and what she needs just so Martha can more easily fulfill her cultural obligations.

Luke 10:38¬–42 is another example of how Jesus prioritizes sincere, humble faith over rote tradition or cultural standards. In Luke 9, Luke showed that the humbly repentant will be blessed, while those caught up in religiosity and culture will be left empty. In this incident, Martha exemplifies the latter. Her sister Mary, however, has a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He expects of her (Luke 10:38–42).

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.