Luke 10:42

“But one thing is needful, etc.] Meaning not that one dish of meat was sufficient, and there was no need of any more, in opposition to Martha's carefulness in preparing many; for this is too low a sense of the words; which yet some ancient writers have given into: but rather the hearing of the word, the Gospel of Christ, which Mary was engaged in; and which, ordinarily speaking, is necessary to the knowledge of Christ, and salvation by him, and to faith in him, ( <451014>Romans 10:14,17) not that this is the only needful thing; nor does Christ say there is but one thing needful, but that there is one thing needful; for there are other things that are also needful, and useful, as meditation…”

“one thing, &c.--The idea of "Short work and little of it suffices for Me" is not so much the lower sense of these weighty words, as supposed in them, as the basis of something far loftier than any precept on economy. Underneath that idea is couched another, as to the littleness both of elaborate preparation for the present life and of that life itself, compared with another. chosen the good part--not in the general sense of Moses' choice (Heb 11:25), and Joshua's (Jos 24:15), and David's (Psa 119:30); that is, of good in opposition to bad; but, of two good ways of serving and pleasing the Lord, choosing the better. Wherein, then, was Mary's better than Martha's? Hear what follows. not be…”

“But one thing is needful - That is, religion, or piety. This is eminently and especially needful. Other things are of little importance. This should be secured first, and then all other things will be added. See 1 Timothy 4:8; Matthew 6:33. That good part - The portion of the gospel; the love of God, and an interest in his kingdom. She had chosen to be a Christian, and to give up her time and affections to God. Which shall not be taken away - God will not take away his grace from his people, neither shall any man pluck them out of his hand, John 10:28-29. From this interesting narrative we learn: 1. That the cares of this life are dangerous, even when they seem to be most lawful and…”

“Mary hath chosen the good part - To save her soul. Reader, hast thou? Next: Luke Chapter 11”

“10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it: Jesus’ words were shocking. Women were expected to serve domestically and were forbidden to learn as disciples from a rabbi. Jesus validated Mary’s desire to be his disciple.”

“one: Luk 18:22; Psa 27:4, Psa 73:25; Ecc 12:13; Mar 8:36; Joh 17:3; Co1 13:3; Gal 5:6; Col 2:10-19; Jo1 5:11, Jo1 5:12 chosen: Deu 30:19; Jos 24:15, Jos 24:22; Psa 17:15, Psa 119:30, Psa 119:111, Psa 119:173 good: Psa 16:5, Psa 16:6, Psa 142:5 which: Luk 8:18, Luk 12:20, Luk 12:33, Luk 16:2, Luk 16:25; Joh 4:14, Joh 5:24, Joh 10:27, Joh 10:28; Rom 8:35-39; Col 3:3, Col 3:4; Pe1 1:4, Pe1 1:5 Next: Luke Chapter 11”