Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 10:38-42

"Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord`s feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." — Luke 10:38-42 (ASV)

A good sermon is not diminished by being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be managed in such a way as to benefit their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet signifies a readiness to receive His word and submission to its guidance. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ and those who came with Him.

In this, there was respect for our Lord Jesus and proper care of her household affairs. But there was something to be blamed. She was intent on much serving: plenty, variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us when it hinders us from serving God and receiving good for our souls. How much needless time is wasted, and expense often incurred, even in entertaining professors of the gospel!

Though Martha was at fault on this occasion, she was nevertheless a true believer and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favor of God is needful for our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful for our safety. When this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. Christ declared, Mary has chosen the good part.

For one thing is needful: this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ. The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the very latest, when we are taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the love of Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us, and God and Christ will not. Let us attend to the one thing needful more diligently.