Luke 10:39

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to His message.

Study Bible

She had a sister named Mary
This phrase introduces us to Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. The name "Mary" is derived from the Hebrew "Miryam," which can mean "beloved" or "rebellious." In the context of the New Testament, Mary is often portrayed as a devoted follower of Jesus. Historically, Mary of Bethany is distinct from other Marys in the Bible, such as Mary Magdalene or Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her role in this narrative sets the stage for a lesson on discipleship and priorities.

who sat at the Lord’s feet
The act of sitting at someone's feet was a traditional posture of a disciple learning from a rabbi. In the Jewish culture of the time, this was a position of humility and eagerness to learn. The Greek word used here for "sat" is "παρακαθεσθεῖσα" (parakathestheisa), which implies a deliberate choice to be close and attentive. This phrase highlights Mary's desire to be near Jesus, emphasizing her commitment to spiritual growth and understanding.

listening to His message
The Greek word for "listening" is "ἤκουεν" (ēkouen), which suggests an active, continuous action. Mary was not merely hearing Jesus' words; she was absorbing and contemplating them. The "message" refers to the teachings of Jesus, which were revolutionary and life-changing. In the broader scriptural context, this underscores the importance of prioritizing the Word of God in one's life. Mary's choice to listen reflects a heart open to transformation and a mind eager to comprehend divine truths.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mary
The sister of Martha and Lazarus, known for her devotion and attentiveness to Jesus' teachings. In this passage, she exemplifies a posture of discipleship by sitting at Jesus' feet.

2. Martha
Mary's sister, who is mentioned in the surrounding verses as being concerned with the preparations and hospitality for Jesus. Her actions contrast with Mary's focus on listening to Jesus.

3. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, whose teachings Mary is eager to hear. His presence in the home of Mary and Martha provides an opportunity for intimate learning and fellowship.

4. The Home of Mary and Martha
The setting for this event, likely in Bethany, which serves as a place of hospitality and learning.

5. The Message
Refers to the teachings of Jesus, which Mary is intently listening to. This highlights the importance of Jesus' words and the priority of spiritual learning.

Teaching Points

Prioritizing Spiritual Growth
Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus' feet highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and learning over worldly concerns.

Posture of a Disciple
Sitting at Jesus' feet symbolizes humility and a willingness to learn. As modern disciples, we should adopt a similar posture in our spiritual journey.

Balancing Service and Devotion
While Martha's service is valuable, Mary's example teaches us to balance our service with devotion and time spent in God's presence.

Listening to Jesus
Actively listening to Jesus' teachings is crucial for spiritual growth. We should seek opportunities to hear and meditate on His word.

Intimacy with Christ
Mary's actions demonstrate the value of cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, which is foundational for a vibrant faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet challenge our current priorities in life?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a posture of humility and learning in our daily walk with Christ?

3. How can we balance the demands of service and hospitality with the need for personal devotion and time with God?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are actively listening to Jesus' teachings in our lives?

5. How does the example of Mary and Martha help us understand the importance of both service and spiritual intimacy in our relationship with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 8:35
This verse describes a man who, after being healed by Jesus, is found sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind. This connection emphasizes the transformative power of being in Jesus' presence and listening to His words.

John 11:1-2
These verses introduce Mary and Martha in the context of their brother Lazarus' illness and subsequent resurrection, showing their ongoing relationship with Jesus and His ministry.

Psalm 27:4
This verse expresses a desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and to seek Him, paralleling Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teachings.