Pastor Scott Andrews | June 15, 2025
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Luke 10:38-42
From the earliest days of church history, there has been a battle between knowing the word and doing the word. That is, a struggle between knowing what the Word of God says and doing what the Word of God says. Even when Jesus walked the earth, He often said things like, he that has an ear to hear, let him hear. The implication was, don’t only listen to what I say, do what I say. We’ve all known people who were veritable Bible encyclopedias, but whose actions did not match their knowledge. What good is that? Knowing what the Bible says and not doing what the Bible says is meaningless. Clearly, knowing the word and doing the word are two different things, but are they not inseparable?
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote the first book of the NT that bears his name. It’s often been observed that James wrote his letter on how to live the Christian life – Christianity at work. After all, in chapter 1, he wrote these words, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” Catch that – if you listen to the word but don’t do the word, you are deluding/deceiving yourself. In what way? That you’re a follower of Jesus – that you’re actually a Christian. I am concerned living in the Bible-belt South of the number of people who know the principal elements of the gospel, who say they know Jesus, who cling to some past profession, but don’t live as followers of Jesus. Is it possible to know Jesus, but not follow Jesus? You might know about Him, but do you know Him?
If anyone knew what it meant to live the faith, it would be James who grew up with Jesus, the perfect Son of God. But later in that book, James wrote words that have caused much confusion and consternation, even for people like Martin Luther who called the letter of James a “right strawy epistle,” meaning it wasn’t very solid; it didn’t contain much gospel truth. Of course, Luther came later to fully embrace the letter. But, the passage that has caused so much challenge is in chapter 2 – most of us know it, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Whoa. He also said, “What use is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” Can workless faith save? And the expected answer is no. Does that mean works save? No, but faith without corresponding works proving the reality of faith is worthless – it does not produce the intended result – the salvation of the soul. So, which is it in this ongoing battle – knowing the word or doing the word?
Well, we’re not studying James. Back to Jesus and the gospel of Luke. What does Jesus say? In Luke 6, after doing a lot of teaching, He said, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil…” In other words, what’s in here – what you know and believe, comes out. What you know produces corresponding fruit. Then He said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” That’s challenging.
He wasn’t finished – He went on to say, “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like.” He went on to talk about building your house on the rock of Christ or building your house without a foundation.
Chapter 8, Jesus gave the memorable parable of sower – the seed that fell on four soils: the path, the rocks, among the thorns, and on good ground. The first three were fruitless – snatched away by birds, no root in the rocks, choked out by the thorns. The fourth soil, however, produced much fruit. He that has ears to hear, let him hear. The point seems to be that those who hear the word and receive it demonstrate it by producing fruit. He finished the explanation of that parable by saying, “the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit.” Both hearing and doing the word of God.
I could go on, but that’s enough. But then, we arrive at our text today. As I suggested in my first sentence, from the earliest days of church history, there has been a battle, a debate between knowing the word and doing the word. Which is more important, which is necessary? As if they are separable. Well, you should know that many in those earliest days used this text – found only in Luke – to support one side of the debate. To support their monastic beliefs. What do I mean?
Well, early on, there were those who wanted to prove themselves extra spiritual by removing themselves from the world and spending their lives in contemplation of the divine. In other words, knowing was what mattered. These were those who left communities and family – they left people and went out to deserted places to live in caves or on pillars – the so-called pillar saints, later secluded themselves in monasteries. This was all an attempt to demonstrate how spiritual they were – they spent their lives, again, in contemplation, in knowing God more. But where was the doing? Do we know, or do we do? Let’s read the story today – one familiar to many – to see if we can determine what the text says, and do something about it. Luke 10:38-42.
Two sisters – quite different in their responses to Jesus’ visit to their home. One knowing, one doing. Let me tell you, there is much to learn from this short story, perhaps a bit differently than we’ve typically approached it. Let’s look at it with the following simple outline:
I. The Setting (38)
II. The Response of Mary (39)
III. The Response of Martha (40)
IV. The Response of Jesus (41-42)
Starting with the setting. They were traveling along – that is, Jesus and His disciples, on their way to Jerusalem. He entered a village – not named, because that’s not important to the story. There, a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Who is this heretofore unnamed, Martha? We know, she and her sister Mary and their brother Lazarus play an important role from this point forward.
Now, we don’t know if Jesus had met these siblings before – perhaps in His much earlier ministry in Judea before traveling north to Galilee. You see, as we compare this story where they are introduced with John’s gospel, chapters 11 and 12, we find Jesus knew them well and loved them deeply. It’s possible their relationship began from this encounter in Luke 10. It’s also possible there was already an established relationship, with Martha, Mary and Lazarus as disciples.
Regardless, six months later, right before the triumphal entry and during His passion week, there was clearly a close relationship. You’ll remember John 11 is where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, and John 12 is where we find Jesus staying with this family in their home each night during His passion week. And there, we find their home was in Bethany, about two miles east of Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. We’ll come back to that.
But know that – this village in Luke 10 is Bethany. But, Jesus is much further north – He’s traveling between Galilee and Samaria. Which tells us, most scholars agree, this story likely didn’t happen here – it may have been later or much earlier. The point is, Luke arranged his material – as most eastern writers did – not chronologically, but thematically. Meaning, Luke put the story here for a purpose – right after the lawyer asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus asked the man, you’re the lawyer, what do you think? The man responded, love God with heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor like yourself. You got it right, Jesus said.
So the lawyer, wishing to justify himself, asked, well, who is my neighbor, prompting Jesus to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. This is how you love your neighbor – by being a neighbor to those in need. Go and do the same. Now as they traveled along, the next story is purposefully placed. You see, serving is one way to love your neighbor. But remember the greatest commandment is to love God. And in this story, Jesus places loving God and serving side by side. That’s why it’s here. Not to diminish serving, but to highlight loving God as the priority.
Well, they welcomed Jesus into their home – in contrast to the Samaritan village who had rejected Him, and the lawyer who tested Him. They welcomed Him. Notice, there is no mention of parents or husbands for these two women – it’s likely they were single, not yet married, or widows, we don’t know. They do seem to be people of some means – in a home large enough to accommodate Jesus and His disciples.
Which brings us to our second point – the response of Mary to the visit of Jesus. Since Martha is mentioned first and the one welcoming Jesus, she is likely the older sister. But the younger sister Mary we find seated at the Lord’s feet listening to His word. Hearing Him. Knowing Him. That’s important right – to hear the Word of God? Of course it is.
Now notice, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His teaching. That was a position reserved for disciples of rabbis – which was reserved for men. Oh, women were welcome to listen, and perhaps even learn – but from a distance, not like this. Disciples this close were men. As I’ve mentioned over and over Luke elevates women in a culture which did not – which devalued them. Don’t ever let anyone tell you Christianity is chauvinistic, misogynistic – nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus elevated women and saw them as disciples. What a glorious story this is. It’s no wonder we all know it, and many women’s studies cover it – you should. Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus – learning from Him. It’s exactly where disciples of Jesus – men and women – should be. Sitting at His feet, listening, learning. There is a picture of spiritual intimacy here – desiring to be close to the Savior – hanging on every word. Isn’t that where we should be and what we should want to be? How often do we do that – not to check a discipleship box – but to love Jesus – to love our Triune God and learn about Him and from Him. Again, we don’t know if they knew Jesus before this, but this whole story is a picture of intimate discipleship, knowledge, love and service.
Which brings us to Martha’s response to the visit of Jesus. And I have to tell you, I think Martha often gets too much of a bad rap here. This is her house. She’s the hostess, welcoming the God of the universe into her home – she even called Him Lord. What would you be doing? She is scurrying about, no doubt wanting to provide the best she had to offer, and no wonder. Of course she should. Wouldn’t you? This was her responsibility. Setting the table just right, breaking out the fine China and polishing the silver – fresh flowers, clean and pressed linens. And the food had to be perfect. If she wanted to love her neighbor as herself – what better way than this? If she wanted to love God, what better way than this? By the way, both the Scripture and culture were clear on the responsibilities of hospitality:
Matthew 25:35 – [Jesus is speaking] For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.
Romans 12:13 – [Paul commands us to be] contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Hebrews 13:2 – Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels [or God] without knowing it.
1 Peter 4:9 – Be hospitable to one another without complaint. [that’s interesting – Martha missed that one.]
There are more, but I think you get the point. We are to show hospitality, defined as having others into your home for the purpose of food and shelter. That’s what she was doing. She was obeying these verses before they were written. Through the OT, whenever God or an angel showed up, what did they do? Killed the fatten calf. Of course. Middle Eastern culture demanded it. Further, not trying to make anyone mad – but it was expected in this culture that Mary be right there in the kitchen helping. It’s interesting, Paul actually encouraged older women to encourage younger women to be sensible, pure, kind, workers at home. I’ve said it this way before – I don’t think a woman’s place is necessarily in the home, but I do believe the Scripture teaches a woman’s priority is in the home. That’s what Paul said – older women, like Martha, teach younger women, like Mary, to be workers at home. Martha says, Jesus, quote Titus 2:5 to Mary.
So, let’s not be too hard on Martha – what she’s doing is biblical. Yet, Luke writes that she was distracted with all her preparations. She was busy serving and was distracted…the word means to be pulled away, dragged away…from what. Jesus will tell us shortly. By the way, one said it this way in describing the different personalities of Mary and Martha:
“Mary’s bent was to meander through life, pausing to smell the roses. Martha was more likely to pick the roses, quickly cut the stems at an angle, and arrange them in a vase with baby’s breath and ferns.” (Joanna Weaver)
But notice what Martha does – and I think this is where she messed up. She was distracted, busy with all the necessary preparations. Pots and pans were banging in the kitchen, probably louder by the minute. Huffing and puffing as she went, casting regular glares at her little sister, till she finally exploded. She starts with Jesus – you know, the Lord. Lord, do You not care – stop right there. Can you imagine asking Jesus that? He’d left heaven’s glories to take on human flesh. He’s on His way to Jerusalem to die for sinners, like her. And she has the nerve to say, do You not care.
Have you ever done that? You’re going through a particularly trying time, a busy time, and you glare toward heaven – maybe not visibly with fists raised, but raised nonetheless. Do You not care? Don’t You see what’s going on around here? Haven’t You noticed? Have You forgotten me? Don’t You care? Hear Him say your name gently.
Martha said, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? She doesn’t even call her by name – my sister. I’m doing all the work by myself. I’m alone, woe is me. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. What’s the problem? Here it is: Martha had lost the joy of serving Christ because she didn’t have her eyes on Jesus, she had her eyes on herself. Oh, and on her sister and she made a judgment on what she thought Mary should be doing. Do you ever do that? I’m the only one who does any work around here. I’ve worked my fingers to the bone – I can’t keep up. I’m the only one doing ministry. I’m alone. When we start comparing our service to the Lord with what others are doing – we are looking in the wrong place. Can I suggest that if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus whom we serve, serving would never be a problem.
Well, Martha wasn’t finished. Then she had the audacity to tell Jesus what to do. Would you please tell her to help me. I’ve had enough – no joy in serving – make Mary lose her joy, too. There are times to sit around – this is not it. You can hear the venom in her voice as she chided Jesus, lodging her self-focused complaint.
Which brings us to Jesus’ response. But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha. Everyone agrees this is a gentle response. He calls her name twice – He’s not chiding her, not calling her down, but calling her gently to truth. You are worried and bothered about so many things. Notice, Jesus doesn’t suggest what she was doing was wrong – it was her attitude in doing it. Her serving did not spring from a heart of joyful love, but of indignant duty. And so, Jesus tore up Martha’s to-do list, and reminded her there’s really only one thing on it.
Understand, there is a place to serve – to do the word. That was the whole point of my introduction – do we hear the word or do we do the word? The answer is yes. The problem was not Martha’s serving – we’re commanded everywhere to serve. It was her attitude.
But there’s more. Jesus went on to say, not only is there a proper attitude, but there is a proper priority. Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part. Don’t miss that. Jesus is not dismissing loving your neighbor as yourself. No, He’s suggesting there is a proper priority – and at this time, with Jesus in the house – the good part was to sit at His feet. To love Him – to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength. To listen to His word. So, what’s the proper priority? To hear the word of God, then obey the word of God. In order to do, we must first know. That’s what Mary was doing. That’s what Martha obviously needed to do. Did people need to eat? Yep. Should she be distracted from that responsibility of hospitality at that moment? Not necessarily. But, was there a more important priority? Yes.
While Martha was preparing no doubt a sumptuous banquet for Jesus, Mary was receiving a feast from Jesus – feasting on the word of God. As some have suggested, while Martha wanted to give something to Jesus, Mary recognized the priority of needing something from Jesus. Both are good, but receiving from Jesus, who needs nothing is more important than giving to Jesus.
Notice, Jesus said Mary has chosen the good part or the good portion. The word is often used to speak of a meal. Martha, you’re worried about preparing a physical meal, but Mary has chosen the good meal – a spiritual meal – to sit at My feet and learn from Me. Man does live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So, do we know the word of God, or do the word of God? Yes – in the proper priority. You cannot do without knowing.
Further, Jesus here desired intimacy with His disciples over their service. He’s less than six months away from His crucifixion, bearing the sins of the world. He wanted them near. Is it possible to be so busy about the work of Christ, the church for example, that we forget the Lord of the church? Do we spend time with the Lord we love – developing intimacy with Him through our knowledge of Him – or are we too busy doing things for Him – and all the while miss Him?
I mentioned John 11 and 12 earlier – which happens about six months after this event. Let me close with these thoughts. Here’s a question – did these sisters learn anything? In John 11, Lazarus was very sick, so the sisters sent word to Jesus, “The one whom You love is sick.” They were calling for Jesus to come quickly and heal their brother. You may know the story – Jesus intentionally delayed coming so that Lazarus would die – so He could do an even greater miracle and raise Lazarus from the dead. All to increase their faith.
Well, sure enough, Lazarus died, and Jesus showed up late. When He arrived, Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him – ever the hostess. Mary stayed in the house. Martha met Jesus and said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Even there, she’s sort of telling Jesus what to do – but her attitude has changed.
So, Jesus drew her out, “Your brother will rise again.” And Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” What a statement of faith. Gone is the demanding attitude, replaced by incredible faith – trust. So, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this” Martha?
Listen to what she said, this is incredible, “Yes Lord, I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” That is incredible, knowing faith. She said the same thing that Peter said – one of only two to say it by this time – Peter and Martha. I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God. In the midst of even greater need than help in the kitchen, she demonstrated great faith. And Jesus did indeed raise Lazarus from the dead.
By the way, after this little conversation with Jesus, and before raising Lazarus, Martha sent word to her little sister Mary and said, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” Now, Martha is calling Mary to come to Jesus’ feet. And we read Mary did, fell at His feet, a familiar position, saying the same thing Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus sees her weeping, and others with her weeping, and this where we read, Jesus wept. Shortest verse, but such truth. Then He raised Lazarus.
Chapter 12. It was after Lazarus had been raised to life. It was right before the triumphal entry. It was six days before the Passover when Jesus will be crucified. Jesus came to their house again in Bethany. So they made Him a supper – I don’t know who made it – but we read Martha was serving – of course she was. Lazarus, now alive and well, was reclining at the table, eating.
And verse 3 says, “Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. This is where Judas gets upset and says, what a waste – we could have sold that for 300 denarii – which means it was worth more than a year’s wages. To which Jesus responded, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.” Jesus understood that He had just been anointed for His soon coming burial, six days away. Think of it – Martha and Mary are the first to believe the gospel. Martha knew He was the Christ who was the resurrection; Mary understood He would die. These are amazing women.
But here’s what I want you to see – every time we see Mary, she is at Jesus’ feet. As a disciple, listening to His word in Luke 10. Falling at His feet in her grief because her brother was dead in John 11. And anointing His feet with expensive perfume and wiping it with her hair in John 12. Isn’t that where you want to be – at the feet of Jesus – listening to Him, crying out to Him, and worshiping Him. That was Mary – I want to be Mary, don’t you? Do we hear the word of God, or do we do the word of God? We do both – in the proper priority – loving Jesus and sitting at His feet in worship, and then serving Him.