Verses 38-42 “38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Some believers are serving too much and not hearing the Word enough. To be sure, this refers to very few, for very few are willing to serve much, but it is still a problem for those who miss the preaching of the Word because they are always serving in the nursery, in the Children’s Church, in the pulpit, or elsewhere. Those who serve much always think that others should be serving more. Those who serve too much always become “troubled” in one way or another because they are missing out on the teaching of the Word of God. The Word of God is the “good part.” Nothing is as good as the Word. It brings salvation, joy, peace, maturity, strength, stability, and growth. The Word is the one thing that is needed. Everything else is supplementary. Service is wonderful. Most of us do not serve enough. But even service must be kept in its proper place in our priorities.