Luke 10:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You who cherish the qualities that enrich devotion and diligently practice the gifts of the saints, come once more and heed the sacred instruction, and let the principle of hospitality be known to you. This is a significant and precious virtue, as the wise Apostle Paul attests: ‘Do not forget hospitality, for by this means some have inadvertently entertained angels.’ Therefore, let us learn from Christ, the Redeemer of all, both this and every other lesson.

We have discussed love, but it is not the sole form of virtue. Through the story of Mary and Martha, the Evangelist illustrates, on one side, active devotion, and on the other, the reverent focus on God's word. When the word aligns with faith, it holds greater value than mere deeds, as stated: Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her (Luke 10:42). Let us also strive to obtain that which no one can seize from us, not superficially, but with true diligence! It is possible for the seeds of the heavenly Word to fall by the wayside and be taken away! Cf: Lk. 8.5-12. Allow yourself to be inspired, like Mary, by the pursuit of wisdom, for that labor is greater and more complete.

This hamlet is known as Bethany, as it was referred to by John as the home of Martha and Mary (John 11:1).

Our primary aim, the steadfast desire of our hearts, should be for the spirit to remain united with divine matters and with God Himself. Everything else, no matter how significant it may appear, should be regarded as secondary or even detrimental. This principle is vividly illustrated in the Gospel through the figures of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was engaged in a sacred task, serving the Lord and His disciples, while Mary focused solely on receiving spiritual teaching, seated at Jesus' feet, honoring Him and acknowledging His presence. Yet, the Lord favored Mary’s choice over Martha's because she had selected the greater portion, one that cannot be taken away from her.

The Redeemer of humanity, throughout His earthly mission amid our trials and tribulations, came to the home of two devoted sisters, Martha and Mary, who resided in a village near Jerusalem known as Bethany. They had their own abode in this place. Their brother, Lazarus, was esteemed as a friend of both the incarnate God and His disciples (John 11:11). The Scripture illustrates that the Lord visited this faithful family’s home on several occasions. During one such visit, He miraculously brought Lazarus back to life after he had been entombed for four days. The Holy Evangelist Luke recounts how, during this visit, Martha was preoccupied with serving their esteemed Guest, while Mary chose to sit at His feet, absorbing His teachings (Luke 10:39).

After spending some time in the home of the two sisters, Martha and Mary, whom He knew well, He demonstrated that silent devotion to His teachings was of greater value to Him than the most earnest attempts to provide for His comfort as a visitor.

Hebrews does not specify the village where Jesus was welcomed in the home of Martha and Mary. However, John 12:1-2 indicates that they resided in Bethany. Additionally, Luke here omits mentioning Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary. This should not lead us to infer that Luke was unaware of Lazarus’ significant connection to them, as there was no necessity for the Evangelist to include Lazarus in this instance. The one who welcomes Christ into her home is Martha. Similarly, in John's narrative of Mary's anointing of Jesus (John 12), Martha serves as the hostess at the meal, while Lazarus is identified as one reclining with Jesus (v. 2). The accounts of the first two Evangelists regarding the same meal reveal that it was held in the home of Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6, Mark 14:3).

While journeying, Jesus arrived at a village, as noted by Luke the Evangelist. This village was Bethany, situated on one of the slopes of the Mount of Olives and in close proximity to Jerusalem. Here resided Lazarus, whom Jesus referred to as His friend (John 11:11), along with his sisters, Martha and Mary. Luke, however, does not mention Lazarus, suggesting that he may have been away during Jesus' visit.

As the journey drew near its end, Jerusalem came into view. However, Christ chose not to enter the holy city right away; instead, He paused for a time in Bethany, situated on one of the hills of the Mount of Olives. This village was home to a devout family that had welcomed Christ on several occasions during His visits to Jerusalem, always receiving Him with exceptional warmth and joy (Luke 10:38-42). The family comprised three individuals: Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. The Savior’s presence in their home brought them immense happiness, amplified by the fact that it had been some time since He had last visited. The sisters eagerly vied to honor their esteemed Guest, with Martha particularly bustling about to prepare delightful offerings.

"To a certain village": likely referring to Bethany, this points to the visit by Lazarus's family, which includes his friends Martha and Mary (John 11:1ff.). Lazarus is not referenced here, possibly because he was absent during this visit or because the Evangelist intends to focus solely on the interactions involving Martha and Mary without mentioning their brother. - "Invited Him into her home": this suggests that Martha held the position of the head of the household. In this context, as well as in the Gospel of John, there is no mention of the husbands of Martha and Mary or of a wife for their brother Lazarus.