The One Needful Thing – Luke’s Gospel, chapter 10, verses 38 to 42
Busyness for busyness sake? What is the thing most needed?
One thing is sure. Jesus loved Mary and Martha, and they loved Him. It is not the case that Martha was “bad” and Mary “good”. The church has always had and needed Marys and Marthas.
Martha’s Virtue
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
Luke 10:38
Hospitality is always needed. Without her Mary could not have listened to Jesus.
Mary’s Devotion
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
Luke 10:39
The two roles: host and preparer.
Sitting at a Rabbi’s feet was the mark of the disciple. In that culture women could not be disciples of a Rabbi. 2 scandals: she joined the disciples, and He said nothing to deter her. The gospel is for all! God speaks and we get to sit at His feet.
Martha’s complaint
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
Luke 10:40
Martha wanted to do a special meal for Jesus, laying a burden on herself. Jesus had not demanded such. Quietism is not better than service, but service must not drive out listening to Jesus. Martha is miffed! In frustration she uses words rude and audacious. “Lord! Don’t you care? Command Mary to help me!”
Jesus’ Gentle Rebuke
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Luke 10:41-42
A rebuke out of love. His firm but tender words. He is not harsh to her harsh words.
What did He want of her, and us? “Just sit at my feet.” A true disciple is one who hears His word and does them, and in that order.
Service for God must not replace devotion, listening to God. It’s a matter of trust. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We are not made for service, but for relationship with God. Must not let a good thing become a bad thing by driving out the best thing. This shall never be taken away. Martha humbly accepted the lesson: see her in John chapter 11
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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Used by permission, 11th Feb. 2026