Digging Deeper – The Good Portion

In the Mary–Martha pericope of Luke 10, Jesus contrasts Martha’s many distractions with Mary’s singular devotion by stating that she has chosen “the good portion.” The concept is easily understood—time and affection given to the Lord are greater than busyness spent elsewhere—but the turn of phrase is of particular interest. Frequently throughout the Bible, the word portion is used to describe our inheritance as a people who belong to God. A quick survey of its use elsewhere in Scripture helps us gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ words about Mary’s “good portion.”

In Psalm 16, David wrote about the LORD being his portion—his source of blessing, counsel, happiness, and protection: “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot” (Psalm 16:5). This is contrasted with the sorrow of “those who run after another god” (v. 4)—in other words, those who have not chosen the Lord as their portion.

In Psalm 73, Asaph echoes David’s sentiment by declaring, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” The force of this statement is increased by the preceding verse: “There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (v. 25).

Reflecting on the righteous statutes and precepts of God, the author of Psalm 119 likewise proclaims, “The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words” (v. 57). For this reason, he is able to say, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (v. 50).

Elsewhere in the Old Testament, the LORD is described as the portion of those who follow Him:

• Lamentations 3:24 — “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

• Deuteronomy 10:9 — “Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.”

Let us return to the story of Mary and Martha attending to Jesus with these things in mind. Recall that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (v. 39), and for this reason Jesus described her as having chosen the good portion. Echoes of the Psalms come to mind—David and Asaph declaring that God alone is their source of being, their portion. Mary hadn’t merely chosen resting over working or listening over commanding—she had chosen the Lord. He was her portion, and that would never be taken from her.

Sit at the feet of Jesus today, and understand what it means to choose Him as your portion.