In Luke 10 Mary is first introduced to our notice, and in a very simple manner. Immediately after the parable of the good Samaritan we read, “Now 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. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word” (vss. 38-39). Before entering upon the significance of this attitude of Mary, a word may be given as to the connection of the narrative. The good Samaritan had bound up the wounds of the man he had found half dead, pouring in oil and wine; he had set him on his own beast, taken him to an inn and made all necessary provision for him until he should return, and now we learn from Mary’s occupation what should be the diligent service of the saved soul in the interval, that hearing the word of Jesus is indeed the good part which shall not be taken away.
An evident contrast is intended by the way in which the two sisters are brought to our notice. Martha received Jesus into her house—and she had a sister, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. The word “also” points to this contrast. It might well be that Martha was the elder sister and that, as indeed it says, it was her house; still it could not be doubted for a minute that Mary associated herself with Martha in the Lord’s reception. If this were so, the word “also” will now reveal its force; that is, it will signify that Mary not only received Him, but that she also sat at His feet and heard His word. Two classes of souls are thus portrayed: those who “receive” the Lord as Saviour, and there rest, even if they render whatsoever service they may deem best, and those who, after they have received Him, press onward, with purpose of heart, to learn His mind, and to become acquainted with Himself. Like David, it is all their desire, and this they seek after, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple, and thus delighting themselves in the Lord, He grants to them the desires of their hearts. It will be profitable therefore if we endeavor to unfold this action of Mary which is here described.