This account is covered in Luke 10:38 through Luke 10:42. Martha had invited Jesus to her home and she was distracted with all her preparations in serving Jesus. While Martha was worrying about all the details and doing all the work, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his wonderful words of life. This situation was annoying Martha so she suggested that Jesus  instruct Mary to help. Under these circumstances Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about many things; but one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41and 42 from the New American Standard Version Bible) Jesus took advantage of this opportunity to teach a lesson. Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to the spiritual lessons he was teaching was a better choice than Martha’s distraction with worldly provisions. Mary had made the wiser decision.

Now, what is the lesson for us in this scriptural account? We all have duties and responsibilities in our lives which are very important and we make choices every day pertaining to both the little things in life and the major. But, our Heavenly Father is especially pleased when we take time to focus on His word and seek to be blessed by His holy spirit. That is the better choice that Jesus was teaching on this occasion.

Please do not jump to a conclusion that serving others and being hospitable is not important. Martha was doing a good thing for Jesus. And, the scriptures instruct us to, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 KJV

Other scriptures that emphasize the importance of choosing spiritual things and serving the Lord are:

Luke 12:29,31 NIV    “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

John 6:27  KJV    “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.”

Galatians 5:13 KJV  “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”