Consider his friendship with Mary and Martha, both of whom were apparently single. (Read Luke 10:38-42.)

For instance, he defended Mary when Martha criticized her. (Luke 10:38-42)

Instead, he included women in the deep spiritual discussions that he had with his other disciples.b (Read Luke 10:38, 39, 42.)

What does Luke 10:38, 39, 42 reveal about Jesus’ attitude toward women?

For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.’”​—LUKE 10:38-42.

They thus choose “the good portion.” (Luke 10:42)

Jesus has close friends in this village​—Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. (Luke 10:38-42)

While Martha was certainly motivated by the best of intentions, Mary “chose the best portion.” (Luke 10:38-42, ftn.)

Some opened their homes to him so that he had somewhere to eat a meal. (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1, 2)

Observing this, Jesus kindly corrected Martha, helping her to see that an elaborate meal was not always necessary. (Luke 10:40-42)

She became “distracted with attending to many duties.” (Luke 10:40-42)

12. What experience shows that hospitality need not be elaborate?

¹² Hospitality need not be elaborate. (Read Luke 10:41, 42.)

When Martha complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus told Martha: “Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

We would not need to make elaborate or expensive arrangements to be considered hospitable; nor would we want to invite only those who might repay us in some way. (Luke 10:42; 14:12-14)

Tell her to come and help me.” (Read Luke 10:38-42.)

​—Based on Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 1 Corinthians.

Luke 7-21

By refusing to deprive Mary of the joy of being taught, Jesus showed that a woman’s place is not only in the kitchen. (Luke 10:38-42)

• What was Jesus’ point in telling Martha that just a few things were needed or just one? (Luke 10:41, 42)

For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41, 42)

‘A few things are needed, or just one,’ said Jesus when he enjoyed association at the home of friends.​—Luke 10:42.

• Jesus: Matthew 1-28; Mark 1-16; Luke 1-24; John 1-21.c

Martha, Mary, Zacchaeus, and many others heard him call them by their name. (Luke 10:41, 42; 19:5)

/ 10-11 □

(Luke 10:1–24:53)

Luke tells us about small Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to get a view of Jesus, and notes the repentant attitude of one evildoer impaled alongside Christ.​—Luke 2:24; 7:11-17, 36-50; 8:2, 3; 10:38-42; 13:10-17; 14:1-6; 17:11-19; 19:1-10; 23:39-43.

A few things, though, are needed, or just one.” (Luke 10:41, 42)

Jesus told Martha: “Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Such rejoicing may be at a family meal or at some other small social gathering of true worshippers.​—Job 1:4, 5, 18; Luke 10:38-42; 14:12-14.

He always used such occasions to impart spiritual blessings. (Luke 5:27-39; 10:42; 19:1-10; 24:28-32)

 9. What steps have some taken to become closer friends with fellow Christians? (Include any local examples.)

⁹ Families and individuals in the congregation can “widen out” by visiting one another, perhaps sharing a simple meal, and by participating in wholesome activities together. (Luke 10:42; 14:12-14)

◆ Martha and Mary: Mark 14:3-9; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-29; 12:1-8.

Of course, if such instruction is to be effective, parents must set the proper example.​—Luke 10:38-42.

Jesus wanted both of them to enjoy the spiritual benefits of his friendship. (Luke 10:38-42)