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Luke 10:42
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- Adam Clarke
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Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
One thing is needful - This is the end of the sentence, according to Bengel. "Now Mary hath chosen, etc.," begins a new one. One single dish, the simplest and plainest possible, is such as best suits me and my disciples, whose meat and drink it is to do the will of our heavenly Father. Mary hath chosen that good part - That is, of hearing my word, of which she shall not be deprived; it being at present of infinitely greater importance to attend to my teaching than to attend to any domestic concerns. While thou art busily employed in providing that portion of perishing food for perishing bodies, Mary has chosen that spiritual portion which endures for ever, and which shall not be taken away from her; therefore I cannot command her to leave her present employment, and go and help thee to bring forward a variety of matters, which are by no means necessary at this time. Our Lord both preached and practised the doctrine of self-denial; he and his disciples were contented with a little, and sumptuous entertainments are condemned by the spirit and design of his Gospel. Multos morbos, multa fercula fecerunt. Seneca. "Many dishes, many diseases." Bishop Pearce remarks that the word χρεια, needful, is used after the same manner for want of food in Mar 2:25, where of David it is said, χρειαν εσχε, he had need, when it means he was hungry. I believe the above to be the true meaning of these verses; but others have taken a somewhat different sense from them: especially when they suppose that by one thing needful our Lord means the salvation of the soul. To attend to this is undoubtedly the most necessary of all things, and should be the first, the grand concern of every human spirit; but in my opinion it is not the meaning of the words in the text. It is only prejudice from the common use of the words in this way that could make such an interpretation tolerable. Kypke in loc. has several methods of interpreting this passage. Many eminent commentators, both ancient and modern, consider the text in the same way I have done. But this is termed by some, "a frigid method of explaining the passage;" well, so let it be; but he that fears God will sacrifice every thing at the shrine of Truth. I believe this alone to be the true meaning o the place, and I dare not give it any other. Bengelius points the whole passage thus: Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful. Now, Mary hath chosen that good portion, which shall not be taken away from her. That the salvation of the soul is the first and greatest of all human concerns, every man must acknowledge who feels that he has a soul; and in humility of mind to hear Jesus, is the only way of getting that acquaintance with the doctrine of salvation without which how can he be saved? While we fancy we are in no spiritual necessity, the things which concern salvation will not appear needful to us! A conviction that we are spiritually poor must precede our application for the true riches. The whole, says Christ, need not the physician, but those who are sick. Martha has been blamed, by incautious people, as possessing a carnal, worldly spirit; and as Mary Magdalene has been made the chief of all prostitutes, so has Martha of all the worldly-minded. Through her affectionate respect for our Lord and his disciples, and through that alone, she erred. There is not the slightest intimation that she was either worldly-minded or careless about her soul; nor was she at this time improperly employed, only so far as the abundance of her affection led her to make a greater provision than was necessary on the occasion. Nor are our Lord's words to be understood as a reproof; they are a kind and tender expostulation, tending to vindicate the conduct of Mary. The utmost that can be said on the subject is, Martha was well employed, but Mary, on this occasion, better. If we attend to the punctuation of the original text, the subject will appear more plain. I shall transcribe the text from Bengel's own edition, Stutgardiae, 1734, 12 mo. Luk 10:41, Luk 10:42. Luk 10:41, αποκριθεις δε ειπεν αυτῃ ὁ Ιησους, Μαρθα, Μαρθα, μεριμνᾳς και τυρβαζῃ περι πολλα· ἑνος δε εϚι χρεια. Μαρια δε την αγαθην μεριδα εξελεξατο, ἡτις ουκ αφαιρεθησεται απ' αυτης. "Then Jesus answered her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxiously careful and disturbed about many things; but one thing is necessary. But Mary hath chosen that good portion which shall not be taken away from her." I have shown, in my notes, that Martha was making a greater provision for her guests than was needful; that it was in consequence of this that she required her sister's help; that Jesus tenderly reproved her for her unnecessary anxiety and superabundant provision, and asserted that but one thing, call it course or dish, was necessary on the occasion, yet she had provided many; and that this needless provision was the cause of the anxiety and extra labor. Then, taking occasion, from the circumstances of the case, to vindicate Mary's conduct, and to direct his loving reproof more pointedly at Martha's heart, he adds, Mary hath chosen a good portion; that is, she avails herself of the present opportunity to hear my teaching, and inform herself in those things which are essential to the salvation of the soul. I cannot, therefore, order her to leave my teaching, to serve in what I know to be an unnecessary service, however kindly designed: for it would be as unjust to deprive her of this bread of life, after which she so earnestly hungers, as to deprive thee, or thy guests, of that measure of common food necessary to sustain life. All earthly portions are perishing: "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God will destroy both it and then; but the work of the Lord abideth for ever;" her portion, therefore, shall not be taken away from her. This is my view of the whole subject; and all the terms in the original, not only countenance this meaning, but necessarily require it. The words, one thing is needful, on which we lay so much stress, are wanting in some of the most ancient MSS., and are omitted by some of the fathers, who quote all the rest of the passage: a plain proof that the meaning which we take out of them was not thought of in very ancient times; and in other MSS., versions, and fathers, there is an unusual variety of readings where even the thing, or something like it, is retained. Some have it thus; Martha, Martha, thou labourest much, and yet a little is sufficient, yea, one thing only. Others: And only one thing is required. Others: Thou art curious and embarrassed about many things, when that which is needful is very small. Others: But here there need only a few things. Others: But a few things, or one only, is necessary. Now these are the readings of almost all the ancient versions; and we plainly perceive, by them, that what we term the one thing needful, is not understood by one of them as referring to the salvation of the soul, but to the provision Then to be made. It would be easy to multiply authorities, but I spare both my own time and that of my reader. In short, I wonder how the present most exceptionable mode of interpretation ever obtained; as having no countenance in the text, ancient MSS. or versions, and as being false in itself; for even Christ himself could not say, that sitting at his feet, and hearing his word, was the One thing Needful. Repentance, faith, prayer, obedience, and a thousand other things are necessary to our salvation, besides merely hearing the doctrines of Christ, even with the humblest heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one thing, &c.--The idea of "Short work and little of it suffices for Me" is not so much the lower sense of these weighty words, as supposed in them, as the basis of something far loftier than any precept on economy. Underneath that idea is couched another, as to the littleness both of elaborate preparation for the present life and of that life itself, compared with another. chosen the good part--not in the general sense of Moses' choice (Heb 11:25), and Joshua's (Jos 24:15), and David's (Psa 119:30); that is, of good in opposition to bad; but, of two good ways of serving and pleasing the Lord, choosing the better. Wherein, then, was Mary's better than Martha's? Hear what follows. not be taken away--Martha's choice would be taken from her, for her services would die with her; Mary's never, being spiritual and eternal. Both were true-hearted disciples, but the one was absorbed in the higher, the other in the lower of two ways of honoring their common Lord. Yet neither despised, or would willingly neglect, the other's occupation. The one represents the contemplative, the other the active style of the Christian character. A Church full of Marys would perhaps be as great an evil as a Church full of Marthas. Both are needed, each to be the complement of the other. Next: Luke Chapter 11
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it: Jesus’ words were shocking. Women were expected to serve domestically and were forbidden to learn as disciples from a rabbi. Jesus validated Mary’s desire to be his disciple.
Luke 10:42
Martha and Mary
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.”
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters
By Basilea Schlink9.1K00:00First LoveEbooksDiscipleshipPSA 23:3MAT 9:15MAT 13:45LUK 6:38LUK 10:42JHN 7:37EPH 5:32PHP 4:81JN 4:19REV 2:4Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that enables believers to face suffering and persecution with courage and joy. Schlink illustrates that true discipleship stems from this intimate love for Christ, which should be undivided and prioritized above all else. She encourages believers to cultivate this love through personal devotion and worship, as it is the key to genuine happiness and fulfillment in their faith. Ultimately, she reminds us that Jesus, as our Bridegroom, desires a deep, loving relationship with each of us, inviting us to surrender our hearts fully to Him.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 16:1 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith4.3K25:59ExpositionalEXO 12:422CH 7:14ISA 16:1EZK 22:30MAT 6:33LUK 10:42In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for Jesus Christ in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to abstain from the immorality of our culture and to make a commitment to follow Jesus. Pastor Chuck uses the example of Daniel from the book of Daniel in the Bible, who took a stand for righteousness even in the face of potential death. He encourages young adults to be strong in their faith and to be prepared for the Lord's coming. Additionally, Pastor Chuck urges listeners to engage in intercessory prayer for their city, state, and country, in order to see a spiritual awakening and a return to the Lord.
(Pure Testimony) Changing Our Way of Thinking
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:03PurityNUM 6:22JOB 1:8MAT 4:4LUK 10:42In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds and being careful about what we watch on television. He warns that even a few seconds of exposure to inappropriate content can have a lasting impact on our minds. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize listening to the word of God above all else, citing the example of Mary who chose to sit and listen to Jesus' words. He contrasts this with the busyness and distractions of Martha, who focused on her own works rather than on listening to Jesus. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to believe and trust in the words of God, rather than relying on what they see, feel, or hear.
Jacob Generation - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By Gary Wilkerson1.8K1:18:57ConferencePSA 27:4ZEC 4:7MAT 6:33LUK 10:42ROM 10:1PHP 3:8REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of different aspects of Christian ministry. He first talks about world missions and the desperate need for God in various places around the world. He then emphasizes the significance of discipleship, stating that it is crucial to not only reach out to lost people but also to make disciples. The speaker shares a personal experience of realizing that his focus had shifted away from God and towards his own work and family. He concludes by highlighting the importance of seeking Jesus above all else and aligning our priorities with God's heart.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.7K25:59ExpositionalISA 28:1ISA 28:15MAT 21:42LUK 10:42LUK 12:20In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials representing different kingdoms. A rock, not cut by human hands, struck the image and destroyed it, growing into a mountain that covered the whole earth. Daniel interpreted the dream as a prophecy of the future, revealing that God will establish His kingdom and bring an end to earthly kingdoms. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of not building our lives solely on material possessions, but instead finding peace and confidence in God's control over our lives.
How to Live a Separated Life: Be Diligent
By Hoseah Wu1.5K40:46Separated LifePSA 46:10MAT 6:33LUK 10:42ROM 12:2COL 3:22PE 1:52PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of lacking an aggressive spirit in pursuing the Lord. He emphasizes the need to work diligently and ensure that our faith is genuine. The purpose of the weekend conference is to help each other discover the eternal things and have a clear direction in our Christian lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of coming together during the winter months to avoid spiritual decline and stumbling. The ultimate goal is to have a time of reflection and fellowship, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and free us from unnecessary distractions.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 29:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalISA 29:1MAT 15:8MAT 23:23MRK 12:30LUK 10:422TI 3:7HEB 12:29In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of not just going through the motions of worship, but truly drawing near to God with our hearts. He emphasizes the need to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not get caught up in the busyness of the season. Pastor Smith also highlights the spiritual condition of the world and the need for people to wake up and recognize the moral decay and social problems we are facing. He calls for a sense of urgency and desperation in seeking God's help and guidance in these troubled times.
Understanding Dead Works
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:06MAT 6:8MAT 23:8LUK 10:42JHN 5:191CO 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and following God's ways as demonstrated by Jesus. It highlights the need to listen to God, wait on Him, and do exactly as He commands without relying solely on human reasoning. The speaker stresses the significance of avoiding dead works, making needs known only to God, and following the example set by Jesus and the apostles in all aspects of life and ministry.
Manifesting the Life of Jesus (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:08:16GEN 1:2EXO 34:29PRO 4:18PRO 28:13MAT 7:7LUK 10:42JHN 1:42CO 3:18HEB 8:10JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, highlighting the need for honesty and true transformation through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of living a life that reflects the light of Jesus, growing in purity, humility, and love. The speaker urges listeners to seek genuine repentance, embrace the new covenant where glory increases, and strive to be a light in the world like Jesus.
Sisters Blessing the Body of Christ
By Annie Poonen1.1K51:21PRO 14:1PRO 31:26LUK 10:42COL 3:18JAS 3:171PE 3:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the body of Christ as women in the church. It discusses the significance of having a meek and quiet spirit, forgiving others, being a Mary in a martyr world, and seeking godly wisdom to build godly homes that contribute to a godly church. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on prayer life, obedience, and surrendering all aspects of life to the Lord.
The New Man the Crucified Life
By Ulf Oldenburg1.1K21:32LEV 23:24ISA 62:3LUK 10:422CO 5:17PHP 2:9COL 3:11TH 4:16REV 1:7REV 3:20REV 19:6This sermon emphasizes the imminent return of Yeshua (Jesus) and the significance of being prepared for His coming. It delves into the symbolism of various biblical feasts, such as Passover and Pentecost, pointing to Yeshua as the fulfillment of these events. The message stresses the transformation believers undergo through Christ, becoming a new creation and part of His bride. It also highlights the importance of crowning Yeshua as the King of our lives and being ready for the marriage feast of the Lamb.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 29
By Zac Poonen65125:23EZK 28:14MAT 7:21LUK 10:42JAS 2:261JN 3:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living a life of holiness, contrasting the significance of genuine repentance and faith over mere works or gifts. It warns against false prophets who may focus on outward displays of miracles and gifts but lack true transformation and obedience to God's will. The message stresses the need for believers to bear good fruit, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God's will and free from sin, as the ultimate criterion for entering God's kingdom.
A Single-Hearted Desire
By Daniel Rudolph5961:32:40PSA 32:7MAT 6:19LUK 10:42HEB 2:2HEB 4:9HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of simplifying life by focusing on one basic decision. He uses the story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10 to illustrate this point. The preacher suggests that the challenges and distractions of modern society can lead to fragmentation, but by having a single-hearted desire for God, we can overcome these challenges. He also highlights the promise in Psalm 32:8 that God will guide us with His eye if we seek Him wholeheartedly.
God's Questions Iii (Provision) - Part 1
By John Follette4161:43:05ProvisionMAT 7:21MAT 25:21LUK 10:42LUK 19:17LUK 19:20JHN 6:51CO 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep understanding and connection with the word of God. He criticizes those who try to appear knowledgeable without truly understanding the teachings. The preacher then refers to a story from the Bible where Jesus tests Philip by asking him when they will buy bread to feed a large crowd. The preacher highlights that Jesus was not interested in material things or gratitude, but rather in seeing the reflection of his son in people's spirits through the discipline of service. He concludes by discussing the concept of being plowed by God in order to yield a harvest, using the analogy of different types of plows and their impact on our lives.
Breaking the Alabaster Box
By John Hames2LUK 10:42John Hames preaches on the contrasting lives of Martha and Mary in Bethany, illustrating the difference between a life of worry and anxiety versus a sanctified life of devotion and surrender to Jesus. Martha represents a life burdened by serving and earthly concerns, while Mary exemplifies a sanctified life marked by sacrificial love, complete surrender, and deep spiritual intimacy with Jesus. Through Mary's actions of pouring costly ointment on Jesus, breaking the alabaster box, and sitting at His feet, John Hames emphasizes the importance of choosing the 'good part' like Mary did, which leads to a transformative blessing that cannot be taken away.
One Thing Have I Desired of the Lord
By Joshua Daniel1PSA 16:11PSA 27:4MAT 26:6LUK 10:42JHN 14:211CO 2:10PHP 3:101TH 4:31JN 2:15Joshua Daniel preaches on the desire of King David to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and seek His guidance. He emphasizes the importance of choosing Jesus Christ, spending time in prayer, seeking answers from God, and desiring to live for God alone. The sermon highlights the examples of King David, St. Paul, and Mary who chose to learn of Christ, live for Him, and glorify Him, becoming blessings for many generations.
The True Pleasantness of being...
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0The Folly of Worldly PleasuresTrue Joy in ChristPSA 16:6ECC 2:1ISA 53:4MAT 9:2LUK 10:21LUK 10:42JHN 4:13ROM 15:132CO 12:91PE 1:4Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the true pleasantness of being a child of God, contrasting the fleeting and false pleasures of the unconverted with the enduring joy found in Christ. He illustrates how, despite Christ's sorrows, He maintained a holy joy, and similarly, believers can experience profound joy amidst their struggles. M'Cheyne argues that true happiness comes from forgiveness, sanctification, and the eternal nature of God's promises, encouraging believers to live joyfully and to recognize the folly of seeking pleasure apart from Christ. He warns the unconverted of the temporary nature of their joys and the impending judgment they face without Christ.
Knowing God Intimately Is the Secret of Being Strong
By Zac Poonen0Intimacy With GodSpiritual Strength1SA 3:10ISA 50:4DAN 11:32MAT 4:4LUK 10:42JHN 17:3PHP 3:10HEB 8:11Zac Poonen emphasizes that knowing God intimately is essential for spiritual strength, as highlighted in Daniel 11:32. He encourages believers to seek a personal relationship with God rather than relying on others' experiences, citing that eternal life is defined by knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Poonen stresses the importance of listening to God daily, following Jesus' example of spiritual nourishment through His words (Matthew 4:4). He advocates for a continuous listening attitude, even during the night, to remain receptive to God's guidance (1 Samuel 3:10). Ultimately, knowing God equips us to overcome life's challenges by revealing His solutions to our problems.
Eternal Riches
By Thomas Manton0PRO 8:18MAT 6:33LUK 10:421TI 6:171PE 1:24Thomas Manton preaches about the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the enduring nature of God's Word. He emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal treasures over temporary pleasures, as everything in the world is passing away. Manton encourages focusing on the immortal soul's need for eternal good and the lasting riches found in righteousness. He warns against being content with outward happiness that fades away, urging the congregation to prioritize the better, eternal part that cannot be taken away.
Four Reasons Why God Blessed Jacob
By Zac Poonen0LUK 10:42Zac Poonen preaches on the blessings that come when believers are alone with God, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing time with Him over busyness and distractions. He also highlights the significance of being broken by God, as seen in Jacob's wrestling with God at Peniel, where God shattered Jacob's strong points. Furthermore, Poonen discusses the blessing of being earnest and hungry for God, showcasing Jacob's determination to not let go until he received God's blessing. Lastly, he underscores the power of being honest with God, using Jacob's transformation from a deceiver to a sincere man as an example of how true brokenness and honesty lead to God's abundant blessings.
Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon
By A.B. Simpson0DevotionCommitment to God1KI 18:21PSA 91:14MAT 6:24MAT 22:37LUK 10:42ROM 12:11CO 10:21GAL 2:20PHP 1:21JAS 1:8A.B. Simpson emphasizes that Jesus clearly states one cannot serve both God and mammon, warning that attempting to do so leads to serving only one master, ultimately resulting in spiritual deception and failure. He illustrates this with examples of biblical figures like Saul, Balaam, and Judas, who faced dire consequences for their divided loyalties. In contrast, he highlights Mary and Paul, who exemplified a singular devotion to Christ, leading to divine favor and deliverance. Simpson urges believers to fully commit their hearts to God, assuring that such dedication will not go unrewarded. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own commitment to Jesus as their sole master.
The Rage of the Present Day
By John Angell James0PSA 119:36MAT 6:24LUK 10:42LUK 12:15ROM 12:2PHP 3:191JN 2:15John Angell James preaches about the importance of resisting the worldly influences that lead to pride, materialism, and spiritual poverty. He highlights the obsession with wealth, comfort, reputation, and earthly possessions that distract many from pursuing a deeper piety. James emphasizes the need to subdue the desire for worldly elevation, cultivate simplicity, contentment, and moral courage, and prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly pursuits to experience true revival in piety.
The Pilgrim's Staff
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0God's PromisesComfort in TrialsGEN 28:15JOS 1:51CH 28:20PSA 51:11ISA 49:15JER 3:1MAT 28:20LUK 10:42HEB 13:5HEB 13:8Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound promise of God, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,' which serves as a steadfast support for believers throughout history. He traces this promise from its origins in the Old Testament, showing how it applies to all believers today, not just to specific individuals like Jacob or Joshua. M'Cheyne reassures that God's unchanging nature ensures that His promises are eternal and applicable to every believer, highlighting the importance of relying on this promise during times of guilt, danger, and loss. He encourages the congregation to remember that even in their darkest moments, God remains with them, offering comfort and strength. Ultimately, M'Cheyne concludes that this promise will be a source of solace even in eternity for those who believe.
Woman to Woman Evangelism
By Beryl Amos0MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 1:30LUK 10:421CO 9:16Beryl Amos shares the story of 'Woman to Woman Evangelism,' a spiritual venture initiated by the Christian Women's Fellowship in Victoria and Tasmania. The movement began with a call to discuss God's Word openly and evolved into a mission to evangelize women in the local churches. The focus is on the importance of women sharing the Gospel with others, both those who do not know Jesus and those who need a fresh encounter with Him, emphasizing the ongoing nature of evangelism as a vital part of the Christian faith.
The Work God Blesses
By Chip Brogden0GEN 6:8LUK 10:42JHN 15:5EPH 2:8HEB 11:7Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of realizing and fulfilling the work assigned to us by God, using examples from biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and others who had specific callings and destinies. He emphasizes that most individuals, like Moses and Joseph, may not immediately understand their purpose and may face challenges and setbacks, but God uses these experiences to shape and prepare them for their unique tasks. Brogden explores the life of Noah, highlighting universal principles behind the work that God blesses, such as having a close relationship with the Lord, undertaking tasks beyond personal ability, and obeying God's plans rather than seeking self-originated endeavors.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
One thing is needful - This is the end of the sentence, according to Bengel. "Now Mary hath chosen, etc.," begins a new one. One single dish, the simplest and plainest possible, is such as best suits me and my disciples, whose meat and drink it is to do the will of our heavenly Father. Mary hath chosen that good part - That is, of hearing my word, of which she shall not be deprived; it being at present of infinitely greater importance to attend to my teaching than to attend to any domestic concerns. While thou art busily employed in providing that portion of perishing food for perishing bodies, Mary has chosen that spiritual portion which endures for ever, and which shall not be taken away from her; therefore I cannot command her to leave her present employment, and go and help thee to bring forward a variety of matters, which are by no means necessary at this time. Our Lord both preached and practised the doctrine of self-denial; he and his disciples were contented with a little, and sumptuous entertainments are condemned by the spirit and design of his Gospel. Multos morbos, multa fercula fecerunt. Seneca. "Many dishes, many diseases." Bishop Pearce remarks that the word χρεια, needful, is used after the same manner for want of food in Mar 2:25, where of David it is said, χρειαν εσχε, he had need, when it means he was hungry. I believe the above to be the true meaning of these verses; but others have taken a somewhat different sense from them: especially when they suppose that by one thing needful our Lord means the salvation of the soul. To attend to this is undoubtedly the most necessary of all things, and should be the first, the grand concern of every human spirit; but in my opinion it is not the meaning of the words in the text. It is only prejudice from the common use of the words in this way that could make such an interpretation tolerable. Kypke in loc. has several methods of interpreting this passage. Many eminent commentators, both ancient and modern, consider the text in the same way I have done. But this is termed by some, "a frigid method of explaining the passage;" well, so let it be; but he that fears God will sacrifice every thing at the shrine of Truth. I believe this alone to be the true meaning o the place, and I dare not give it any other. Bengelius points the whole passage thus: Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful. Now, Mary hath chosen that good portion, which shall not be taken away from her. That the salvation of the soul is the first and greatest of all human concerns, every man must acknowledge who feels that he has a soul; and in humility of mind to hear Jesus, is the only way of getting that acquaintance with the doctrine of salvation without which how can he be saved? While we fancy we are in no spiritual necessity, the things which concern salvation will not appear needful to us! A conviction that we are spiritually poor must precede our application for the true riches. The whole, says Christ, need not the physician, but those who are sick. Martha has been blamed, by incautious people, as possessing a carnal, worldly spirit; and as Mary Magdalene has been made the chief of all prostitutes, so has Martha of all the worldly-minded. Through her affectionate respect for our Lord and his disciples, and through that alone, she erred. There is not the slightest intimation that she was either worldly-minded or careless about her soul; nor was she at this time improperly employed, only so far as the abundance of her affection led her to make a greater provision than was necessary on the occasion. Nor are our Lord's words to be understood as a reproof; they are a kind and tender expostulation, tending to vindicate the conduct of Mary. The utmost that can be said on the subject is, Martha was well employed, but Mary, on this occasion, better. If we attend to the punctuation of the original text, the subject will appear more plain. I shall transcribe the text from Bengel's own edition, Stutgardiae, 1734, 12 mo. Luk 10:41, Luk 10:42. Luk 10:41, αποκριθεις δε ειπεν αυτῃ ὁ Ιησους, Μαρθα, Μαρθα, μεριμνᾳς και τυρβαζῃ περι πολλα· ἑνος δε εϚι χρεια. Μαρια δε την αγαθην μεριδα εξελεξατο, ἡτις ουκ αφαιρεθησεται απ' αυτης. "Then Jesus answered her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxiously careful and disturbed about many things; but one thing is necessary. But Mary hath chosen that good portion which shall not be taken away from her." I have shown, in my notes, that Martha was making a greater provision for her guests than was needful; that it was in consequence of this that she required her sister's help; that Jesus tenderly reproved her for her unnecessary anxiety and superabundant provision, and asserted that but one thing, call it course or dish, was necessary on the occasion, yet she had provided many; and that this needless provision was the cause of the anxiety and extra labor. Then, taking occasion, from the circumstances of the case, to vindicate Mary's conduct, and to direct his loving reproof more pointedly at Martha's heart, he adds, Mary hath chosen a good portion; that is, she avails herself of the present opportunity to hear my teaching, and inform herself in those things which are essential to the salvation of the soul. I cannot, therefore, order her to leave my teaching, to serve in what I know to be an unnecessary service, however kindly designed: for it would be as unjust to deprive her of this bread of life, after which she so earnestly hungers, as to deprive thee, or thy guests, of that measure of common food necessary to sustain life. All earthly portions are perishing: "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God will destroy both it and then; but the work of the Lord abideth for ever;" her portion, therefore, shall not be taken away from her. This is my view of the whole subject; and all the terms in the original, not only countenance this meaning, but necessarily require it. The words, one thing is needful, on which we lay so much stress, are wanting in some of the most ancient MSS., and are omitted by some of the fathers, who quote all the rest of the passage: a plain proof that the meaning which we take out of them was not thought of in very ancient times; and in other MSS., versions, and fathers, there is an unusual variety of readings where even the thing, or something like it, is retained. Some have it thus; Martha, Martha, thou labourest much, and yet a little is sufficient, yea, one thing only. Others: And only one thing is required. Others: Thou art curious and embarrassed about many things, when that which is needful is very small. Others: But here there need only a few things. Others: But a few things, or one only, is necessary. Now these are the readings of almost all the ancient versions; and we plainly perceive, by them, that what we term the one thing needful, is not understood by one of them as referring to the salvation of the soul, but to the provision Then to be made. It would be easy to multiply authorities, but I spare both my own time and that of my reader. In short, I wonder how the present most exceptionable mode of interpretation ever obtained; as having no countenance in the text, ancient MSS. or versions, and as being false in itself; for even Christ himself could not say, that sitting at his feet, and hearing his word, was the One thing Needful. Repentance, faith, prayer, obedience, and a thousand other things are necessary to our salvation, besides merely hearing the doctrines of Christ, even with the humblest heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one thing, &c.--The idea of "Short work and little of it suffices for Me" is not so much the lower sense of these weighty words, as supposed in them, as the basis of something far loftier than any precept on economy. Underneath that idea is couched another, as to the littleness both of elaborate preparation for the present life and of that life itself, compared with another. chosen the good part--not in the general sense of Moses' choice (Heb 11:25), and Joshua's (Jos 24:15), and David's (Psa 119:30); that is, of good in opposition to bad; but, of two good ways of serving and pleasing the Lord, choosing the better. Wherein, then, was Mary's better than Martha's? Hear what follows. not be taken away--Martha's choice would be taken from her, for her services would die with her; Mary's never, being spiritual and eternal. Both were true-hearted disciples, but the one was absorbed in the higher, the other in the lower of two ways of honoring their common Lord. Yet neither despised, or would willingly neglect, the other's occupation. The one represents the contemplative, the other the active style of the Christian character. A Church full of Marys would perhaps be as great an evil as a Church full of Marthas. Both are needed, each to be the complement of the other. Next: Luke Chapter 11
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it: Jesus’ words were shocking. Women were expected to serve domestically and were forbidden to learn as disciples from a rabbi. Jesus validated Mary’s desire to be his disciple.