Jesus responds to Martha: 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' The repeated 'Martha, Martha' shows affectionate concern. Jesus doesn't condemn her service but her anxiety—'careful and troubled' (Greek 'merimnās kai thorybazē,' μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ, anxious and troubled) about 'many things.' He contrasts this with 'one thing needful'—hearing His word, relationship with Him. Mary 'hath chosen that good part' (literally 'the good portion')—she prioritized what matters most. Jesus defends contemplation over busyness, relationship over activity.
Historical Context
This occurred at Martha and Mary's home in Bethany. Martha's hospitality for Jesus and disciples involved extensive meal preparation. Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to His teaching (v. 39)—unusual for women in first-century Palestine, where women typically served while men taught and learned. Martha's complaint that Mary wasn't helping and her request for Jesus to tell Mary to help (v. 40) revealed her priorities—practical service over spiritual learning. Jesus' response validated Mary's choice and corrected Martha's skewed priorities. The church throughout history has struggled with this tension—activism versus contemplation, doing versus being. Jesus prioritizes relationship with Him over service for Him.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus' response correct the tendency to prioritize busyness and service over relationship and learning from Him?
What does Mary's choice of 'the good part' teach about the relative importance of contemplation versus activity in discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds to Martha: 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' The repeated 'Martha, Martha' shows affectionate concern. Jesus doesn't condemn her service but her anxiety—'careful and troubled' (Greek 'merimnās kai thorybazē,' μεριμνᾷς καὶ θορυβάζῃ, anxious and troubled) about 'many things.' He contrasts this with 'one thing needful'—hearing His word, relationship with Him. Mary 'hath chosen that good part' (literally 'the good portion')—she prioritized what matters most. Jesus defends contemplation over busyness, relationship over activity.