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Luke 10:41
Verse
Context
Martha and Mary
40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things.42But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art careful and troubled - Thou art distracted, μεριμνας, thy mind is divided, (see on Mat 13:22 (note)), in consequence of which, τυρβαζῃ, thou art disturbed, thy spirit is thrown into a tumult. About many things - Getting a variety of things ready for this entertainment, much more than are necessary on such an occasion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Martha, Martha--emphatically redoubling upon the name. careful and cumbered--the one word expressing the inward worrying anxiety that her preparations should be worthy of her Lord; the other, the outward bustle of those preparations. many things--"much service" (Luk 10:40); too elaborate preparation, which so engrossed her attention that she missed her Lord's teaching.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But one thing is needful,.... Meaning not that one dish of meat was sufficient, and there was no need of any more, in opposition to Martha's carefulness in preparing many; for this is too low a sense of the words; which yet some ancient writers have given into: but rather the hearing of the word, the Gospel of Christ, which Mary was engaged in; and which, ordinarily speaking, is necessary to the knowledge of Christ, and salvation by him, and to faith in him, Rom 10:14 not that this is the only needful thing; nor does Christ say there is but one thing needful, but that there is one thing needful; for there are other things that are also needful, and useful, as meditation and prayer, and attendance on, and submission to the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord's supper, and all the duties of religion: but Christ's meaning seems plainly to be, that Mary hearing the word from his mouth, and at his feet, was one necessary thing, in opposition to Martha's many unnecessary ones, about which she was cumbered: and Mary hath chosen that good part; or "the good part", or "portion"; Christ, the sum and substance of the word she heard, and eternal life and salvation by him. God himself is said to be the portion of his people, and a good one he is, and a portion that lasts for ever; and so is Christ; see Psa 73:26 where the Septuagint use the same word as here. The heavenly inheritance also, eternal glory and happiness, is the saints' portion; it is called in Col 1:12 the part, or portion of the inheritance with the saints in light. The word answers to the Hebrew word, as in that saying of the Misnic doctors (f), "all Israel have, "a part", or "portion" in the world to come.'' All the Oriental versions add, "for herself", and this choice she made, not from the natural power of her own freewill, but as directed, influenced, and assisted by the Spirit and grace of God, and in consequence of God's eternal choice of her unto salvation by Jesus Christ: and the part she chose is, that which shall not be taken away from her; by men or devils: faith which comes by hearing of the word, and so every other grace of the Spirit is what can never be lost; nor an interest in God, as a covenant God, or in Christ as a Saviour, nor a right and title to, nor meetness for eternal life, nor that itself, can be taken away, or the believer ever be deprived thereof. (f) Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 1. Next: Luke Chapter 11
Luke 10:41
Martha and Mary
40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things.42But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Grace Walk Experience - Part 1
By Steve McVey2.9K48:23LUK 10:41This sermon by Dr. Steve McVeigh emphasizes the importance of understanding that improving our behavior will not lead to victory in the Christian life. Victory comes from letting Jesus live His life through us, rather than trying to do it all on our own. The sermon also touches on the significance of recognizing that problems in our lives can actually be opportunities for God's grace to work in us, transforming our struggles into blessings.
Changing Our Way of Thinking
By Zac Poonen2.1K58:03LUK 10:41This sermon emphasizes the importance of being more like conquerors in the Christian life, focusing on the need to avoid complaining, serve with a thankful heart, listen to God's word, and avoid judging others based on appearances. It highlights the value of gratitude, humility, and seeking God's will above all else.
(Genesis) - Part 20
By Zac Poonen1.8K58:29GenesisGEN 22:13EXO 3:41SA 3:10LUK 10:41LUK 22:11LUK 22:31ACT 9:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses six instances in the Bible where God calls individuals by repeating their names. The first instance is in Genesis 22, where God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. The second instance is in Genesis 46, where God calls Jacob to go down to Egypt. The third instance is in Exodus 3, where God calls Moses through the burning bush to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. The fourth instance is in 1 Samuel 3, where God calls the young boy Samuel while he is sleeping. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and sacrificial obedience in following God's call, and highlights how God provides in miraculous ways, often at the last second. The speaker encourages listeners to seek the kingdom of God first and trust in His provision.
The Greater Glory Can Be Ours
By Zac Poonen1.2K58:38LUK 10:412CO 3:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the glory of Jesus in our lives, moving from old covenant legalism to new covenant transformation by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need to focus on knowing Jesus intimately, allowing His glory to change us inwardly, leading to a life of godliness, humility, and love. The speaker urges listeners to discard masks of pretense, seek the Lord directly, and experience a gradual transformation from one degree of glory to another, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life.
The Sun Is Setting - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan76013:31FellowshipGEN 1:31JDG 6:12LUK 10:41In this sermon, Brother K. P. O'Hannon shares a personal experience where he felt the Lord asking him to walk with Him. They walked to a beautiful grass field and looked at the sunset, which reminded Brother K. P. of his childhood. He emphasizes that fulfilling the call of God is a personal and subjective journey, and he is still learning about it himself. He also highlights the importance of making the most of the few days we have left and getting to know the Lord intimately.
David: Being a Person of One Thing
By Mike Bickle2748:27Radical CommitmentPursuit of GodPSA 27:4PSA 34:5PSA 145:5MAT 11:12LUK 10:41JHN 1:51CO 4:9PHP 3:131JN 1:7REV 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Psalm 27:4, where David expresses his singular desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty. He challenges listeners to approach this verse with fresh eyes, recognizing its depth and the radical commitment it requires. Bickle highlights that this 'one thing' lifestyle is often domesticated in modern culture, yet it is a divine invitation to a deeper relationship with God. He encourages believers to contend for this reality, understanding that it is not an automatic state but a result of years of seeking and pressing into God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a radical re-evaluation of priorities, urging individuals to make the pursuit of God's beauty their primary daydream.
The Wisdom of the Pharisees
By Chip Brogden0MAT 11:28LUK 10:41JHN 9:16ACT 18:12ROM 1:22Chip Brogden preaches about the danger of religious complacency and the Pharisees' failure to recognize Jesus as the Son of God due to their focus on external rules and customs. He contrasts the Pharisees' blindness with the faith of sinners who readily acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. Brogden emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ alone, rejecting distractions of religious legalism, and embracing the simplicity of following Jesus.
Carefulness a Sin
By Charles Finney0Trust in GodCarefulnessPRO 3:5ISA 40:28MAT 6:25LUK 10:41JHN 14:27ROM 8:281CO 7:32PHP 4:61TH 5:161PE 5:7Charles Finney emphasizes that carefulness, as described in Philippians 4:6, is a sin that stems from distrust in God's providence and care. He explains that while some forms of care are virtuous, the anxious and distressing kind is forbidden by God and leads to spiritual and emotional turmoil. Finney urges believers to recognize this state of mind as a rebellion against God, to cultivate trust and gratitude, and to commit their concerns to Him in prayer. He provides practical steps to avoid carefulness, including reflecting on God's past faithfulness and maintaining a calm spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a rejection of this sin, encouraging believers to embrace peace and trust in God's provision.
Revival Praying
By Glenn Meldrum0PSA 91:1MAT 21:13LUK 10:41ACT 1:14JAS 4:2Glenn Meldrum emphasizes the vital role of prayer in experiencing genuine revival, highlighting that all true revivals have been birthed in prayer and that praying saints are instrumental in ushering in revival. He stresses that prayer should be a way of life for every believer, as it is the primary method of receiving God's help and advancing His kingdom. Meldrum underscores the importance of understanding prayer as a lifestyle, not just a religious duty, and how a Christian's prayer life directly impacts their spiritual depth and effectiveness in serving God.
The Top Side of Our Souls
By A.W. Tozer0Balance in Christian LifeSpiritual DepthLUK 10:41A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of balancing the active and contemplative aspects of the Christian life, using the story of Martha and Mary to illustrate this point. He notes that while Christians are often engaged in practical tasks and responsibilities, they must not neglect the 'top side' of their souls, which involves prayer, meditation, and communion with God. Tozer warns against the current trend of prioritizing action over spiritual depth, urging believers to cultivate their inner lives to maintain a healthy relationship with God. He calls for a return to the mystical side of faith, where true devotion and understanding of God can flourish. The prayer for balance in life reflects the need for both service to others and spiritual nourishment.
Entire Sanctification as Taught by Jesus Christ
By Dougan Clark0MAT 5:8LUK 1:35LUK 10:41LUK 18:22JHN 12:24JHN 17:17HEB 7:26Dougan Clark preaches about the holiness of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His sinless nature and the expectation for His followers to pursue holiness. The sermon delves into the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the call to holiness as a privilege and duty for believers, with references to teachings that require sanctification. The sermon also explores the concept of heart purity and entire sanctification, drawing from biblical examples like the Psalms and the teachings of Jesus. It concludes with the importance of being dead to sin and self in order to attain the blessing of entire sanctification.
Complexity of Environment
By Thomas Kelly0PSA 46:10PRO 4:25MAT 6:33LUK 10:41PHP 4:8Thomas Kelly challenges the notion that the complexity of our lives is solely due to our environment, highlighting that even in simpler settings, we can still struggle with busyness and distractions. He shares his experience of trying to find simplicity in the tropics but realizing that the same hectic pace followed him there. Kelly emphasizes that true simplification of life does not come from external changes but from a transformation within ourselves, where we prioritize what is truly needful over the many distractions that vie for our attention.
With What Do You Serve the Lord?
By Timothy Tow0LUK 10:41JHN 11:5JHN 12:1JHN 12:7ROM 16:17Timothy Tow preaches on serving the Lord with different parts of ourselves, drawing lessons from John 12:1-9. Judas serves for his own gain, a false prophet who betrays Jesus for money. Lazarus serves with his face, grateful for being brought back to life by Jesus. Martha serves with her hands, exemplifying the act of cooking and serving others. Mary serves with her heart, pouring out expensive ointment on Jesus in an act of love and devotion.
Not Presents, but His Presence
By Greg Laurie0PSA 16:11ISA 29:13MAT 6:33LUK 10:41JAS 4:8Greg Laurie emphasizes the danger of losing sight of God amidst the busyness of Christmas celebrations, drawing attention to the story of a mother and her child getting caught up in the material aspects of the season. He highlights how many can easily forget the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on worldly symbols rather than the birth of Jesus. Laurie reminds listeners that while we may lose sight of God in our lives, God never loses sight of us, always present and attentive to our needs.
The One Thing Needful
By Samuel Davies0MAT 6:19MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 10:41ROM 13:111CO 15:58HEB 9:27JAS 4:141PE 1:24Samuel Davies preaches about the urgency and importance of focusing on the one thing needful, which is salvation and holiness. He emphasizes the contrast between worldly pursuits and the eternal significance of preparing for the afterlife. Davies uses the example of Martha and Mary to illustrate the choice between being distracted by temporal concerns or prioritizing spiritual growth and salvation. He challenges the listeners to reflect on their actions, labor, and neglect of the salvation of their souls, urging them to consider the pressing necessity of securing their eternal destiny above all else.
A Confession and a Warning
By Alexander Maclaren0LUK 10:41JHN 3:32CO 4:18PHP 3:20COL 2:11The preacher emphasizes the significance of setting our minds on heavenly things, highlighting the transformation believers undergo with a new heart that desires heavenly pursuits. Believers are called to focus on eternal realities and filter their experiences through the lens of eternity, not being swayed by worldly influences but being heavenly-minded. This intentional act of directing our thoughts towards heavenly things is enabled by the Spirit and involves a continuous effort to elevate our affections and desires towards God.
Christ, Our Only Rest
By Edward Manning0PSA 37:4PSA 51:10MAT 5:3MAT 11:28LUK 10:411JN 1:9Edward Manning preaches about the compassionate invitation of Jesus to those who are burdened and weary, offering rest and peace to their souls. He emphasizes the need to come to Jesus, learn from Him, and take on His yoke to find true rest and forgiveness. Manning highlights the struggles faced by both sinners and those burdened by worldly cares, pointing out that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in Christ. He urges the congregation to choose a life devoted to Christ boldly and persevere in their commitment, promising that in Him they will find ultimate freedom, strength, and happiness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art careful and troubled - Thou art distracted, μεριμνας, thy mind is divided, (see on Mat 13:22 (note)), in consequence of which, τυρβαζῃ, thou art disturbed, thy spirit is thrown into a tumult. About many things - Getting a variety of things ready for this entertainment, much more than are necessary on such an occasion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Martha, Martha--emphatically redoubling upon the name. careful and cumbered--the one word expressing the inward worrying anxiety that her preparations should be worthy of her Lord; the other, the outward bustle of those preparations. many things--"much service" (Luk 10:40); too elaborate preparation, which so engrossed her attention that she missed her Lord's teaching.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But one thing is needful,.... Meaning not that one dish of meat was sufficient, and there was no need of any more, in opposition to Martha's carefulness in preparing many; for this is too low a sense of the words; which yet some ancient writers have given into: but rather the hearing of the word, the Gospel of Christ, which Mary was engaged in; and which, ordinarily speaking, is necessary to the knowledge of Christ, and salvation by him, and to faith in him, Rom 10:14 not that this is the only needful thing; nor does Christ say there is but one thing needful, but that there is one thing needful; for there are other things that are also needful, and useful, as meditation and prayer, and attendance on, and submission to the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord's supper, and all the duties of religion: but Christ's meaning seems plainly to be, that Mary hearing the word from his mouth, and at his feet, was one necessary thing, in opposition to Martha's many unnecessary ones, about which she was cumbered: and Mary hath chosen that good part; or "the good part", or "portion"; Christ, the sum and substance of the word she heard, and eternal life and salvation by him. God himself is said to be the portion of his people, and a good one he is, and a portion that lasts for ever; and so is Christ; see Psa 73:26 where the Septuagint use the same word as here. The heavenly inheritance also, eternal glory and happiness, is the saints' portion; it is called in Col 1:12 the part, or portion of the inheritance with the saints in light. The word answers to the Hebrew word, as in that saying of the Misnic doctors (f), "all Israel have, "a part", or "portion" in the world to come.'' All the Oriental versions add, "for herself", and this choice she made, not from the natural power of her own freewill, but as directed, influenced, and assisted by the Spirit and grace of God, and in consequence of God's eternal choice of her unto salvation by Jesus Christ: and the part she chose is, that which shall not be taken away from her; by men or devils: faith which comes by hearing of the word, and so every other grace of the Spirit is what can never be lost; nor an interest in God, as a covenant God, or in Christ as a Saviour, nor a right and title to, nor meetness for eternal life, nor that itself, can be taken away, or the believer ever be deprived thereof. (f) Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 1. Next: Luke Chapter 11