Luke 10:42
But one thing is needefull, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not bee taken away from her. Luke 10:42 (KJV)
In Luke 10:38‑42 Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is occupied with all the preparations, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings. Martha becomes frustrated, asking Jesus to rebuke Mary for not helping her, and even says, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” Jesus answers with the words recorded in Luke 10:42.
The phrase “one thing is needful” emphasizes the importance of prioritising the right thing in life. It suggests that amid the distractions and busyness of daily living there is a single essential focus that deserves our attention.
Jesus commends Mary’s choice of “that good part.” She recognised the significance of Jesus’ presence and teaching, and she deliberately prioritised spending time with Him, eagerly listening to His words. Her posture demonstrates a heart that longs to know and learn from the Lord.
Jesus further affirms that Mary’s chosen part “shall not be taken away from her.” This indicates that the spiritual insights, understanding, and relationship Mary cultivated by sitting at Jesus’ feet are eternally valuable. While Martha was preoccupied with temporary concerns, Mary invested her time and attention in something lasting and of eternal significance.
The verse offers several applications for believers today. First, we should prioritise God, making room for personal Bible study, prayer, and meditation on His Word above the distractions of daily life. Second, Mary’s posture exemplifies active listening and a teachable spirit; we can cultivate this by attentively studying Scripture, listening to sermons, and seeking God’s will for our lives. Third, we are called to choose the eternal, investing our time, energy, and resources in things that have lasting value rather than allowing worldly pursuits to dominate. Finally, the passage reminds us that Jesus’ words to Martha do not diminish the value of service and hospitality; we are encouraged to serve one another in love while ensuring that our service and busyness do not hinder our relationship with God.
