This story involves the same Mary and Martha we learned about in the Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead lesson. We learned in that story that Mary and Martha were good friends of Jesus, along with their brother Lazarus. He would stay at their house frequently as he was traveling around Jerusalem.
In this story, Mary and Martha were entertaining Jesus at their house. Martha was very busy serving Jesus, preparing the meal, cleaning, etc. Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to Jesus teach. We don't know if Jesus was just teaching Mary, or whether others were there.
But Martha became indignant at Mary that she wasn't helping out. You can imagine in your head Martha passing by the doorway to the living room on her way to get food supplies, taking the trash out, or taking the food to the dining room, each time getting more and more frustrated that she was doing all this work herself while her sister Mary was just sitting down in the living room with Jesus. Martha finally snapped: "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don’t you care? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40).
But Jesus had a very important lesson for Martha. He told her that Mary had a choice. She could have gotten very busy with all the serving, preparing, and cleaning - just like Martha. Or she could have chosen to spend time with Jesus and learn from him. Jesus told Martha that Mary had made a good choice.
Do you have chores at your house? What is your least favorite chore? What is your favorite chore?
Today, we're going to learn about time when a woman named Martha was serving Jesus in her house. But Jesus taught her that there was something more important than her chores!
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Luke 10:38-42
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39
Supplies bracelet supplies, varies depending on what age and class you are doing activity with
Heads up! This is a good intro to the lesson. It would be good to pair it with Quiet time for older children.
Scripture But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don't you care? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:40
Supplies ingredients, plates, utensils
Heads up! This is a good activity for students to do as they are arriving
Scripture But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don't you care? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:40
Supplies spray bottles, rags
Scripture Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don't you care? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered. "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:39-42
Supplies paper and crayons, if you choose option 2
Option 1:
Heads up! Recipe suggestion has peanuts. If you have students with peanut allergies, choose a different easy recipe
Scripture Luke 10:39-4
Supplies peanut butter, rice crispy cereal. honey, wheat germ, baking sheet, waxed paper
As the students are following the recipe, read the Bible verses in a normal tone of voice.
After the students are done with the recipe, read the Comprehension Questions and see if they were able to concentrate on what you were saying
Feel free to give rewards to students who are able to answer questions correctly
Scripture "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered. "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
Supplies Where Does My Time Go worksheet, colored markers or crayons
Scripture Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was busy with all the things that had to be done. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, my sister has left me to do the work by myself. Don't you care? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered. "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:39-42