38 While they were on their way,10:38. To Jerusalem. Jesus arrived at a village, and a woman called Martha invited him to her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.10:39. By doing this Mary identified herself as one of Jesus' disciples, and the fact that Jesus allowed this and defended her action shows that he accepted her as such. It may be that Martha’s concern was more about this breaking of normal social protocol than for kitchen help, and that her complaint to Jesus was more of an excuse. Jesus' reply indicates that Mary’s choice to be his disciple was more important, calling it the right thing that wouldn’t be taken away from her. 40 Martha was concerned about all that needed to be done to prepare the meal, so she came to Jesus and said, "Master, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!"
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord replied, "you’re worried and upset about all this. 42 But only one thing is really necessary. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it shall not be taken away from her."