“Mary has chosen the better part” but why?

[iLOVE]

Why did Jesus tell Martha, who was serving the Lord and making preparations, that Mary had "chosen what is better"?

From Luke 10: 38-42,

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"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."

 

[Willie T]

Mary had the sense to get off Facebook, turn off her phone, and listen to something important.

 

[Eugene]

iLOVE
Below is an excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF LUKE by Gene Hawkins’ teaching of Martha and Mary.
http://www.gracegod.com/Study Books/Gospel of Luke.pdf

The final segment of our chapter is freighted with intimacy, as Luke's fellowship offering is found here. It is the story of two sisters, both of whom had great regard for Jesus. The house was owned by Martha, and surely her love for Him was expressed by her hospitality. Her service, however, was not really a labor of love, because she was "cumbered (dragged all around) about by much serving" (10:40). Mary, on the other hand, "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word." Martha insisted that Jesus agree with her and demand that Mary "help me." This is typical of many laborers today, who have never discovered the way to bring pleasure to Jesus, and benefit themselves. After ministering to the Samaritan woman (John 4:34), Jesus said to His disciples: "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me." It brought Him greater joy to minister the Word of God to a hungry heart than to feast on a dozen meals. Mary discovered that great secret, as she sat at His feet. She had found that it is imperative to rest from labor, if one is truly going to learn of Him.

We can hear a sigh of exasperation as Jesus said: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things" (10:41). She really did not enjoy her service, and though Jesus undoubtedly appreciated her efforts in His behalf, indicates that she had not "chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." This power of choice lies with each individual. He will not force us to cease from all our activities, religious or otherwise, and sit down long enough to learn of Him. The benefits of knowing Him are eternal, and it is no accident that Mary knew more about Jesus' mission and the path which would take Him to the cross, than did any of the others. It was she who "anointed Him before the day of My burying" (John 12:7), and because of it, received His high commendation. "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her" (Mark 14:9).

An interesting excerpt below by Mary Bodie concerning Mary is in her study of Matthew at http://www.gracegod.com/Study Books/Matthew - Biography of the King.pdf

The woman had come to the house with her box full of ointment with the deliberate purpose of pouring it all upon the body of her Lord. She realized the fact that His death was inevitable. And more, she understood its absolute necessity, which appeared to be hidden from even His choicest apostles. The box most aptly figured His body, which was shortly to be broken. The ointment most perfectly expressed the fragrant life which was poured out on the cross, an acceptable offering to God. Whether she understood all the meaning of that which she was doing we cannot say; but of this we are sure, the Father knew and guided her hand. And thus she testifies of even the death itself, which fragrance will fill the House of God forever. "She anointed my body beforehand for the burial," we hear Him say. This was not customary, but it sweetly assures of His resurrection. When after His death, the other women came to anoint His body with perfume and spices, they were too late. He was risen - Mark 16:1,2. Mary of Bethany had already anointed Him.

 

[iLOVE]

iLOVE
Below is an excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF LUKE by Gene Hawkins’ teaching of Martha and Mary.
http://www.gracegod.com/Study Books/Gospel of Luke.pdf

The final segment of our chapter is freighted with intimacy, as Luke's fellowship offering is found here. It is the story of two sisters, both of whom had great regard for Jesus. The house was owned by Martha, and surely her love for Him was expressed by her hospitality. Her service, however, was not really a labor of love, because she was "cumbered (dragged all around) about by much serving" (10:40). Mary, on the other hand, "sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word." Martha insisted that Jesus agree with her and demand that Mary "help me." This is typical of many laborers today, who have never discovered the way to bring pleasure to Jesus, and benefit themselves. After ministering to the Samaritan woman (John 4:34), Jesus said to His disciples: "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me." It brought Him greater joy to minister the Word of God to a hungry heart than to feast on a dozen meals. Mary discovered that great secret, as she sat at His feet. She had found that it is imperative to rest from labor, if one is truly going to learn of Him.

We can hear a sigh of exasperation as Jesus said: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things" (10:41). She really did not enjoy her service, and though Jesus undoubtedly appreciated her efforts in His behalf, indicates that she had not "chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." This power of choice lies with each individual. He will not force us to cease from all our activities, religious or otherwise, and sit down long enough to learn of Him. The benefits of knowing Him are eternal, and it is no accident that Mary knew more about Jesus' mission and the path which would take Him to the cross, than did any of the others. It was she who "anointed Him before the day of My burying" (John 12:7), and because of it, received His high commendation. "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her" (Mark 14:9).

An interesting excerpt below by Mary Bodie concerning Mary is in her study of Matthew at http://www.gracegod.com/Study Books/Matthew - Biography of the King.pdf

The woman had come to the house with her box full of ointment with the deliberate purpose of pouring it all upon the body of her Lord. She realized the fact that His death was inevitable. And more, she understood its absolute necessity, which appeared to be hidden from even His choicest apostles. The box most aptly figured His body, which was shortly to be broken. The ointment most perfectly expressed the fragrant life which was poured out on the cross, an acceptable offering to God. Whether she understood all the meaning of that which she was doing we cannot say; but of this we are sure, the Father knew and guided her hand. And thus she testifies of even the death itself, which fragrance will fill the House of God forever. "She anointed my body beforehand for the burial," we hear Him say. This was not customary, but it sweetly assures of His resurrection. When after His death, the other women came to anoint His body with perfume and spices, they were too late. He was risen - Mark 16:1,2. Mary of Bethany had already anointed Him.

 

[Deborah13]

Mary had the sense to get off Facebook, turn off her phone, and listen to something important.

 

[Sinthesis]

Think about all the notions that have accumulated about exactly how God expects us to serve Him; how tempting it is to demand others follow our self-righteous example. Jesus is explaining it is better we listen and learn from God, rather than exasperate ourselves in what we have assumed He desires as works.

 

[Deborah13]

Think about all the notions that have accumulated about exactly how God expects us to serve Him; how tempting it is to demand others follow our self-righteous example. Jesus is explaining it is better we listen and learn from God, rather than exasperate ourselves in what we have assumed He desires as works.

I think we don't need to be following the traditions of men.
I think Jesus made it very simple and very clear in His two commandments and in a few very easy to understand verses.

 

[Gary]

Why did Jesus tell Martha, who was serving the Lord and making preparations, that Mary had "chosen what is better"?

Here's your answer.

Matthew 26
10 But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.
11 For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.
12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial.
13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
.

 

[jonahmano]

The picture taken out of Martha and Mary example is to show that God expects his loved ones to be more intimate with him. Such a world is this that evangelists don't even have time to have fellowship with God. Their schedules are so hectic, they even don't get time to listen to God in prayer.

In the Garden when Jesus told his disciples to stay awake and pray, they slept. They didn't want to disturb their sleep and in the same way many men don't want to disturb their daily duties for prayer because they don't understand the better part.

Read Isaiah 55