Misplaced Focus

Intro

See the forest through the trees

Scripture

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary D. Martha and Mary (10:38–42)

This story is found nowhere else. Luke appears not to have placed it in chronological sequence, for Bethany was near Jerusalem and at a later time Jesus was still far from the capital (17:11). He may have placed it immediately after the preceding parable as a safeguard against any of his readers coming under the misapprehension that salvation is by works.

talk

Luke 10:38–42 NIV

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

38 So Jesus went to Martha’s house for Supper. and she had to take it upon herself to fulfilling the social obligations

39-40 -Mary Sat at Jesus feet and listened to him teach.

Luke D. Dedication in Daily Decisions: Choosing Your Master (10:38–41)

The rabbis had taught people to listen to wise men or teachers but not to talk much with women. Jesus, the wisest of men, welcomed Mary to his audience of learners.

Martha was distracted with everything that needed to be done and got upset

We get the impression that she wanted to do something special for Jesus.

Martha got so over-whelemed that she asked Jesus to say something.

He wanted Jesus to chase her away.

Who was right?

41-42 He contrasts Martha’s ‘fretting and fussing about so many things’ (neb) with the one thing that is really needful. Some good mss read ‘few things are needful, or only one’. Whichever reading we adopt, Jesus is saying that Martha is worried over too many things. Life has few real necessities and at need we can do without much on which we lavish time. The one thing is not defined, but clearly it finds expression in Mary’s sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning from him. It is the attitude of dependence on Jesus that matters. Some commentators refer it to food: they think Jesus is saying that one dish is all that is needed, not Martha’s elaborate meal. But the language does not support this, especially that referring to Mary’s choice. She has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her. The right spiritual attitude is a possession we need never fear losing.

Luke D. Dedication in Daily Decisions: Choosing Your Master (10:38–41)

The need was out of focus and misplaced. Martha was too stressed out about earthly things. Her life was out of focus, dedicated to fulfilling the world’s expectations rather than Jesus’. Life has one essential need: to hear and obey the Word of God (see 8:18–20). Mary made the right choice. Jesus would not take away from her the blessing and opportunity. At the crossroads of decision making, Martha had opted for worldly expectation and social obligation; Mary, for hearing Christ’s Word. Martha needed to change her priorities. When the Word is taught, listen. All else is secondary.

Application