They did not keep Christ standing at the door until they were newly
appareled, or until they had elaborately arranged their tresses, then
coming out with their affected surprise as though they had not heard
the two or three previous knockings, saying: "Why, is that you?" No.
They were ladies, and were always presentable, although they may not
have always had on their best, for none of us always have on our best;
if we did our best would not be worth having on. They throw open the
door and greet Christ. They say: "Good morning, Master; come in and be
seated."
Christ did not come alone; He had a group of friends with Him, and
such an influx of city visitors would throw any country home into
perturbation. I suppose also the walk from the city had been a good
appetizer. The kitchen department that day was a very important
department, and I suppose that Martha had no sooner greeted the guests
than she fled to that room. Mary had no anxiety about household
affairs. She had full confidence that Martha could get up the best
dinner in Bethany. She seems to say: "Now, let us have a division of
labor. Martha, you cook and I'll sit down and be good."