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Luke 10

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

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.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

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.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

What does Luke 10:42 mean?

Explanation

Luke 10:42 is a verse that concludes the account of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary.

Martha is busy with the work of hosting, while Mary sits at Jesus' feet and listens to His teaching.

Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus responds that Mary has chosen what is better.

The "one thing" that is needful, according to Jesus, is not the preparation of the meal or the other work Martha is concerned with, but rather the spiritual nourishment and education that Mary seeks.

The "good part" that Mary chooses is listening to Jesus, indicating the priority of spiritual over material concerns.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, written approximately in the late first century.

The story of Mary and Martha takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem.

The historical context of this incident is within a Jewish society where hospitality norms were highly valued.

Jesus often taught through parables and direct discourse, and the setting of a home was common for His ministry.

His teachings frequently challenged cultural expectations, such as valuing spiritual over traditional societal roles.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse conveys the priority of discipleship and the importance of choosing the eternal over the temporal.

In a broader sense, the verse implies the significance of personal relationship with Jesus and the listening to His words as foundational for Christian life.

Different denominations might emphasize the contemplative (Mary's posture) versus active life (Martha's service), with a general consensus that balance and discernment are key in the Christian journey.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Luke 10:42 encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth and relationship with God amidst daily activities.

It suggests taking time to study scripture, pray, and reflect, even when there are other pressing demands. This teaching can help prioritize spiritual disciplines such as devotional reading, worship, and attending church even in a busy life.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
John 6:27: "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."
Psalm 27:4: "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."

Language Study

The Greek word for "one thing" (henos) emphasizes the singularity and exclusiveness of the focus that is required for discipleship.

"Needful" translates from a form of the Greek "chreia," which suggests a necessity or requirement.

"Good part" (agathen merida) indicates a portion or share that is inherently good or beneficial.

The phrase "which shall not be taken away from her" conveys a sense of secure possession and enduring value.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Jewish cultures of that time, hospitality was a central virtue.

This story challenges those priorities by suggesting a spiritual engagement that transcends cultural expectations.

In comparison to other religious traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this passage echoes the sentiment of seeking higher truth or enlightenment as a primary goal in life.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, its emphasis on the non-material illustrates the human capacity for abstract thought and spiritual experience, aspects that neuroscience and psychology explore.

The verse underscores the intrinsic human search for meaning and purpose, recognized in various fields like existential psychology.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this passage.

John Calvin emphasizes the supremacy of God's word as necessary food for the soul.

Matthew Henry reflects on the virtues of both Martha and Mary while underscoring the need to put spiritual duties first.

Contemporary scholars often explore the societal expectations for women in the first century, highlighting Jesus' counter-cultural affirmation of Mary’s choice to be a learner.

Luke 10

Luke 10

What does Luke 10:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 10:42 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?