And Jesus answered and said unto her, 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. — Luke 10:41-42 KJV
“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.” — Luke 10:41-42 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
This passage speaks to the essence of human priorities and spiritual focus. It is set in the context of the visit Jesus made to the house of Martha and Mary. Martha, preoccupied with serving and hospitality, was upset that her sister, Mary, was not helping but instead, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teachings.
The reflection on these verses should ideally be focused on discerning the difference between “doing” and “being.”
Martha was actively doing what she thought was right. She was serving her guest, which is traditionally a noble and important task. Her concern about many things could easily mirror our own lives where we often get absorbed in the day-to-day tasks and worries. But Jesus gently admonishes her and points out that Mary has chosen the better part.
Mary, on the other hand, was focused on “being” in the presence of Jesus, absorbing his teachings, and nourishing her spiritual self. She placed the highest value on spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus, and this was recognized and commended by Him.
This passage does not imply that service or work is not important. Instead, it reminds us of the necessity of balance and priorities. We mustn’t let our busyness, even in the name of good and necessary tasks, distract us from the “one thing needed”—our spiritual relationship with God.
Jesus states that this ‘one thing’, the spiritual communion and focus Mary chose, will not be taken away from her. This highlights the enduring value of spiritual devotion. Our relationship with God, the spiritual growth and wisdom we gain, are everlasting gifts that no one can take away from us.
In the rush and hustle of our modern lives, this passage reminds us to pause and refocus our priorities. Are we getting so lost in the ‘doing’ that we’re neglecting the ‘being’? Are we like Martha, anxious and troubled about many things when only a few—or indeed only one—is necessary?
In the end, the lesson from Luke 10:41-42 urges us to always create space for spiritual growth amidst our earthly responsibilities. Because what we cultivate in our relationship with God is the one thing that truly matters and it will never be taken away from us.
My Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, inspired by the story of Martha and Mary in the book of Luke. Father, just like Martha, I often find myself preoccupied with the tasks and worries of this world. I get so caught up in doing— in serving, working, and fulfilling earthly responsibilities— that I sometimes forget to simply be in Your presence, to sit at Your feet, to listen to Your voice, and to absorb Your divine wisdom.
Lord, I seek Your guidance in achieving balance in my life. Help me to prioritize the “one thing” that is needed— a deeper and meaningful relationship with You. May I not let the busyness of life hinder me from spending quality time with You, learning from You, and growing spiritually.
Just like Mary, help me choose the better part— to focus more on You, to seek You earnestly, and to treasure my relationship with You above all else. Please remind me, Lord, that while many things seem important, they are transient and fleeting. The wisdom and spiritual growth I gain from You are enduring gifts that can never be taken away.
I pray, Lord, that my heart remains centered on You, amidst all the distractions of life. Guide me, Father, in all that I do, and help me maintain my focus on You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.