Luke 10:41

Martha, Martha. Repetition of a name implies affection and sometimes concern. Compare Luke 22:31; Acts 9:4.

Art careful. Gr. merimnao, “to be anxious,” “to be troubled [with cares],” or “to care for.” Merimnao refers to the inward, mental distraction that was the real cause of Martha’s impatience with Mary. It was against this very type of thing that Jesus had expressed a strong warning in His Sermon on the Mount (where merimnao is rendered, “take ... thought”; see Matt. 6:25, 28, 31, 34). Those who become followers of Jesus should avoid the spirit of anxious care that moved Martha in her petulant appeal to Jesus.

Troubled. This refers to Martha’s outward demeanor, in contrast with her inner feelings. She was “anxious” inwardly, and as a result “troubled” outwardly. If we would only seek to cultivate that inward composure that Martha so much needed we would avoid much unnecessary anxiety.

Many things. Simple hospitality would have been sufficient for Jesus; He did not require elaborate preparations.