Bible Study: Luke 10:38-42 (The Story of Martha and Mary)

Bible Study: Luke 10:38-42 (The Story of Martha and Mary)

1. Historical Context and Background

Authorship and Date:The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. It is believed to have been written between 60-80 AD. Luke’s account was directed toward a predominantly Gentile audience, focusing on Jesus’ compassion, teachings on discipleship, and the inclusion of outsiders in God’s kingdom.

Chapter Context:

Before (Luke 10:1-37): Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to spread the gospel, heal the sick, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. They return rejoicing over their successful mission. This section also includes the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing loving one’s neighbor and mercy over religious obligation.After (Luke 11:1-13): Jesus teaches about prayer, giving His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. He follows this with a lesson on persistence in prayer and God’s willingness to answer those who ask.

Cultural Context:Hospitality was highly valued in ancient Jewish culture. Guests were seen as a gift from God, and serving them was both an honor and a responsibility. Women, like Martha and Mary, were often tasked with the duties of the home, including hosting and caring for guests. However, women sitting at the feet of a rabbi, as Mary did, was unusual and broke social norms since this was typically the role of male disciples.

2. Passage Analysis

Theological Context:This passage presents a contrast between two approaches to serving Jesus: one of active service (Martha) and one of devoted listening (Mary). It touches on themes of discipleship, priorities, and the balance between work and worship. It reveals Jesus' desire for His followers to be spiritually fed by His words over being overly concerned with practical tasks.

Key Themes:

Discipleship and Learning: Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, which symbolizes prioritizing the teachings of Christ over worldly distractions.

Service vs. Relationship: Martha’s focus on the tasks and Mary’s focus on Jesus illustrate a tension between active service and personal relationship with God.

Rest in Christ: Jesus invites His followers to rest in Him, to focus on His teachings and presence, rather than being consumed by busyness.

3. Text and Analysis

Luke 10:38 – "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house."

Commentary: Martha initiates the hospitality by welcoming Jesus into her home, an important act of service in Jewish culture. Her eagerness to serve shows her love and respect for Jesus.Practical Application: In our lives today, it is important to be hospitable and serve others. But our service should flow from a heart that first rests in God’s love and teaching.Reference

Scripture: Romans 12:13 encourages believers to practice hospitality.

Luke 10:39 – "And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching."

Commentary: Mary breaks cultural expectations by sitting at Jesus’ feet, a position reserved for disciples, showing her desire to learn from Him. Her posture represents humility and submission.

Practical Application: Like Mary, we should take time to sit at Jesus’ feet, reading Scripture and praying, to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.Reference

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 speaks of God’s word being a light to our path.

Luke 10:40 – "But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.'"

Commentary: Martha’s frustration is evident as she is overwhelmed by the tasks of hospitality. She asks Jesus to intervene, showing that she views her service as more urgent than Mary’s attentiveness.Practical Application: We can often feel burdened by responsibilities, but Jesus calls us to balance service with personal devotion. Like Martha, we need to evaluate if our busyness distracts us from being with Jesus.Reference Scripture: Philippians 4:6 reminds us to bring our concerns to God rather than being anxious about them.

Luke 10:41 – "But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.'"

Commentary: Jesus gently rebukes Martha, pointing out that her anxiety and focus on tasks are clouding her priorities. His repetition of her name reflects His compassion and understanding.

Practical Application: When we are overwhelmed, we should pause and refocus on Jesus. He calls us to bring our burdens to Him and trust in His sufficiency.

Reference Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 offers rest to the weary and burdened, encouraging us to find peace in Christ.

Luke 10:42 – "But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

Commentary: Jesus affirms Mary’s choice, describing it as the “good portion,” meaning a choice that is eternally valuable. Listening to and learning from Jesus should take precedence over other tasks.

Practical Application: In a world full of distractions, we must prioritize what is truly important: time spent with Jesus. This is the foundation for all other work and service.

Reference Scripture: Psalm 16:5-6 speaks of the Lord as our chosen portion and inheritance.

4. Preaching and Teaching Points

Point 1: Prioritizing Christ’s Teaching

Scripture: Luke 10:39, "Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching."Application: Emphasize the importance of prioritizing time with Jesus over busyness. Encourage setting aside daily quiet time for Bible study and prayer, building a personal relationship with Christ.

Point 2: The Dangers of Distraction

Scripture: Luke 10:40, "Martha was distracted with much serving."

Application: Illustrate how our good intentions to serve can sometimes cause us to miss the point: being with Jesus. Share examples of modern-day distractions that pull us away from spiritual growth.

Point 3: Rest in Jesus’ Presence

Scripture: Luke 10:41, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things."

Application: Invite listeners to lay down their anxieties at Jesus’ feet. He wants to take our burdens, and resting in Him leads to peace and joy.

Point 4: Choosing the Better Portion

Scripture: Luke 10:42, "Mary has chosen the good portion."

Application: Jesus offers a lasting, fulfilling relationship that no task or earthly responsibility can replace. Encourage the congregation to consistently choose time with God as their best investment.

5. Reference Scriptures

Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This reinforces the importance of prioritizing God in all things.

Psalm 27:4: "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." This speaks to the desire to be in God’s presence, much like Mary’s choice.

Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." This aligns with the theme of focusing on eternal matters over worldly concerns.

Hebrews 12:2: "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." We are reminded to keep our eyes on Jesus, just as Mary did.

6. Summary

In Luke 10:38-42, we see a profound lesson about discipleship, priorities, and devotion. Martha’s desire to serve Jesus is commendable, but she becomes overwhelmed by her tasks. Mary, on the other hand, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching, which Jesus commends as the "better portion." This passage teaches us to balance our acts of service with personal devotion, ensuring that we don’t become so busy with tasks that we miss the opportunity to grow in our relationship with Christ. In today’s fast-paced world, it is crucial to intentionally set time aside to be with Jesus, listen to His word, and let that be the foundation of everything we do.

Let this passage encourage us to pause, reflect, and choose the "better portion" in our daily lives.