Martha and Mary (Lk. only). Perhaps the connexion is that after charity comes faith. The next duty after love of one's neighbour is that of listening to the Gospel. The contemplative life is the complement of the active. The village is not named; the Fourth Gospel says sisters of these names lived at Bethany. Martha is anxious to give her guest a fitting meal. He replies that she need not worry about a variety of dishes; few, or indeed one (cf. mg.), will suffice Him, and He whimsically adds that Mary has chosen the best dish in selecting the nourishment of His teaching (Moffatt; see his note on the text, and cf. RVm.). The whole incident is suggestively handled in Peake, Election and Service, p. 77ff. He thinks the one thing Jesus needed just then was a receptive hearer, one to whom He could open His heart in an hour when He sorely needed human sympathy. From this higher ministry Mary is not to be dragged away or disturbed.
Related Commentaries of Luke 10:38
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her,Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.