English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
38
As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.
39
She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."
40
But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."
41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
41
The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
42
One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.