Introduction
The One Thing We Really Need. The story of Luke 10:38–42 is a familiar story for many Christians. It teaches a clear and powerful truth: Make time for God’s Word—because it is the one thing we truly need in life.
Why this message?
But why share this message with a congregation of believers—those who are already gathered for worship or listening to a sermon at home? Surely, if we’re here, it’s because we value God’s Word. And yet, this message is just as important for us as it was for Martha.
Martha’s profile
Martha was a devoted follower of Jesus. She welcomed Him into her home, trusted Him as her Savior, and made a bold confession of faith at her brother’s death:
“I know he will rise again in the resurrection,” and, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:24, 27).
Martha wasn’t irreverent or faithless. Her actions sprang from love. She wanted to serve Jesus well. But her priorities became misplaced. That’s why Jesus gently said: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.”
And He says the same to us today. Why Do We Still Need This Reminder?
Malady
Because even as believers, we are often distracted—just like Martha. We want to serve Jesus, but life pulls us in many directions: responsibilities, stress, news, social media, health concerns, work, obligations, and more. During the Covid pandemic, distractions and anxieties flooded our minds.
And today, in our fast-paced digital world, it’s only gotten worse. The average attention span is now just eight seconds. Even in church, we can be physically present but mentally distant.
What are the distractions?
What Distracted Martha?
Luke tells us:
“Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (Luke 10:40).
And we might wonder, how could she be distracted with Jesus in her home? But we do the same. Christ is present with us through His Word—yet our minds wander. Even in worship, we hear “Only one thing is needed,” and immediately think, Yes, I need one thing… from the store, from work, from my to-do list.
Distractions don’t have to be sinful to be spiritually harmful. Martha was doing something good—but not something better.
The Biggest Distraction Worry
Jesus told her: “You are worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41).
The Greek word for “worried” means “pulled in different directions.” That’s what worry does—it divides our hearts and steals our focus from God.
Martha was anxious, overwhelmed, and even frustrated with her sister Mary. Mary, however, chose calm. She sat at Jesus’ feet, listening. One chose chaos. The other chose peace.
We face the same choice daily. Will we stew over stress—or rest in God’s Word?
So, What’s the Point? Life gives us many responsibilities—jobs, family, bills, health, relationships. But none of these is more important than hearing and holding to God’s Word.
Jesus did not rebuke Martha for serving or preparing. He honored her love. But He reminded her—and us—that His Word is the greater need.
Gospel
Why Is God’s Word the “One Thing Needed”? Here are six reasons:
- Because God says so. Jesus Himself told Martha that His Word is what we need most (Luke10:41-42).
- Because God blesses those who hear it. “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).
- Because it gives us what we need—now and forever.
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- It creates faith (Romans 10:17). Luther adds “Alone”
- It saves (Romans 1:16).
- It guides (Ps. 119:105).
- It teaches truth (John 17:17).
- It equips us for every good work(2 Tim. 3:16–17).
- Because it reveals the way to be saved. “The Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
- Because it teaches salvation by faith in Christ alone. Other religions say, “Save yourself.” Only the Bible says, “You are saved by faith in Jesus” (Gal. 2:16).
- Because it gives peace in life’s darkest moments.
Application
Mary had peace because she listened. Martha was anxious because she didn’t.
God’s Word brings real comfort—at the hospital bed, at funerals, in depression and grief.
“By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps. 33:6).
When Jesus speaks, even the storms obey.
Reflection
You Have a Choice
Jesus told Martha:
“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). That choice still stands before us.
Conclusion
We are pulled in many directions—but only one path leads to lasting peace, eternal life, and spiritual strength.
So today—and every day—choose what is better.
Choose to sit at the feet of Jesus. Choose to listen.
Because in the end, nothing else matters more.
The Marks of the Church and the Purpose of Scripture according to Lutheran Church—ELCG Teaching):
- The Word of God – Faithful preaching, teaching, and study of Scripture.
- Baptism – Administered according to Christ’s command.
- The Lord’s Supper – Celebrated regularly as instituted by Christ.
The Office of the Keys – Authority to forgive and retain sins.
The Office of the Ministry – Called and ordained ministers serve the Church.
Prayer and Public Praise – Worship, thanksgiving, and prayer in the community.
The Cross (Suffering) – Willingness to endure suffering for Christ’s sake.
These marks help identify the true Church and distinguish it from those that stray from the Gospel.
The Purpose of Scripture
The central goal of Scripture is to lead people to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
“You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Scripture is also:
- Useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Essential for growing in understanding, living a godly life, and being equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).
God’s Word is not optional. It is foundational—the one thing truly needed. Amen!