10:38-42 What is "that good part" which Mary chose?
10:38-42 What is "that good part" which Mary chose?
The Greek construction of this sentence has Martha fussing about with details that were unnecessarily elaborate. The one thing necessary - that good part - was exemplified by Mary, sitting at Jesus' feet in an attitude of worship, listening to what He had to say.
Jesus gently rebuked Martha, not for serving, but for her over-care in service. How Jesus contrasts Martha and Mary here underlines for us the importance of balancing practical duties with personal devotion. The core teaching is that we must never be too busy to stop and listen to what Jesus has to say. In the divine order Mary's priority of listening to Jesus has precedent over Martha's priority of putting on a good meal.
Jesus is admonishing Christians here not to let their service to God become self-serving.