Luke 10:42 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

NIV: but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'

NASB: but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'

CSB: but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her."

NLT: There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'

KJV: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

NKJV: But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus is in Martha's home, teaching (Luke 10:38). Martha is working hard to show Jesus the utmost hospitality. Meanwhile, her sister Mary sits at Jesus' feet and listens. Luke has just given several stories showing the importance of hospitality, but those acts, themselves, are not the point. The Samaritan showed hospitality because he loved (Luke 10:30–37). The townspeople show hospitality because they want to know more about the kingdom of God (Luke 9:4–5; 10:5–11). Mary does both; Martha is distracted by cultural obligations. She means well but misunderstands the difference between what is "good" and what is "best."

Jesus welcomes Mary as a disciple. Unlike traditional Jewish rabbis of His era, He is eager for women to learn and follow faithfully. This is a double-edged sword for Martha. She is welcome to learn; learning is the best thing; therefore, she is expected to learn. With privilege comes responsibility. Jesus has already showed this by treating Samaritan villages the same as Jewish villages: if they reject His message, they do not receive miracles of healing. Just because someone is disrespected by their culture, they aren't excused for being passive about God's will.

Mary has chosen to take an active role in her spiritual development. Jesus defends her and explains to Martha that Mary has chosen wisely. But Jesus wants the same for Martha. He knows she is "anxious and troubled" when she doesn't have to be (Luke 10:41). He wants her to know she cannot live "by bread alone, but…by every word that comes from the mouth of the ᴏʀᴅ" (Deuteronomy 8:3). Mary's "portion" is Jesus, Himself (Psalm 119:57).

Starting with the parable of the good Samaritan, through Jesus' explanation of the Lord's prayer (Luke 11:1–13), He expounds on the command to love God and love one's neighbor. The parable of the good Samaritan provided a scenario where service to one's neighbor crossed cultural divides and was more urgent than ceremonial religious piety. Mary and Martha show that service sometimes must be set aside if spiritual growth is at stake. To end this section (Luke 9:51—11:13), Jesus gives the Lord's Prayer which teaches that when getting our own needs met, we are always reliant on God (Luke 11:1–13). Next, the Pharisees do everything they can to justify their rejection of Jesus—and Jesus lets them make their choice (Luke 11:14–54).

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.