Neville Goddard on Luke 10:38-42 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Luke 10 in context

Scripture Focus

38Now 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.

39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:38-42

Biblical Context

Jesus visits Martha's home; Mary sits at his feet and listens. Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part, emphasizing inner focus over outward service.

Neville's Inner Vision

Consider Luke 10:38-42 as a teaching about states of consciousness. Martha represents the restless activity of the outer mind, busied with duties and appearances, while Mary embodies the inward listening of awareness that Jesus represents. The room in which you dwell is your own mind, and the Word you hear is the truth of I AM present now. When you identify with Martha you feel pulled by many concerns and fear that without your labor nothing will be cared for; you are 'careful and troubled about many things.' When you soften into Mary’s posture you allow the inner Word to take precedence, and the sense of lack dissolves. The one thing needful is not more effort but a shift in awareness—an alignment with the I AM that never leaves you. The good part, which cannot be taken away, is the quiet certainty that your true activity is listening, receiving, and being. Realize that the external scene is a movement of your inner state; change the state, and the scene follows. You are the living God within, and your environment answers to your assumed reality.

Practice This Now

Assume Mary’s posture now: sit in quiet, feel the Word as present, and acknowledge you are already in the one thing needful. Do this for 3–5 minutes and notice the outer world realign.