Mary and Martha: Getting our priorities right

Am I a Mary or a Martha when it comes to my relationship with Jesus?

The lesson we can learn from Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42

This is the story of two sisters.

Mary and Martha were close friends with and followers of Jesus. Together with their brother Lazarus, they hosted Jesus in their home on more than one occasion. Yet, on one such visit from Jesus, they chose two very different actions, and the way that Jesus reacted to their choices is a very valuable lesson for us today. Let’s review the story (Luke 10:38-42):

Martha is worried

Martha was rushing around, serving and doing her best to make everything good for their beloved guest. And where was Mary when Martha needed a hand? She chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening as He spoke.

It’s pretty easy to imagine how that made Martha feel. Irritated, frustrated, resentful. Why should she be doing all the work? Wasn’t it only righteous for Mary to be helping out? In fact, Martha felt so justified in her indignation that she went and talked to Jesus about it. “ Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me,”  she said to Him .

But, instead of backing her up in her demand, Jesus rebuked her!  “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

This must have felt like a slap in the face for Martha. Here she was, doing everything in her power to be hospitable and make it good. And Mary just sat there, and what  she  was doing was the right thing?

Sound familiar?

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jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

Overcoming sin

jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

Getting our priorities right

It can become so easy for us to get wrapped up in all the things we need to do and the things that need to be accomplished that we lose sight of what the most important thing is. Isn’t it possible that we can get too wrapped up in the cares of life? Jesus makes this even more clear in the parable He told about the sower.  “He who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”  Matthew 13:22.

The highest priority in our lives needs to be choosing the good part, as Mary did: to learn of Jesus so that we can become like Him. It’s a love and devotion to Him that makes everything else of secondary importance. It is to seek the riches of wisdom and understanding that are in Him. If we don’t do this, how can we follow Him, how can we be His disciple s? A disciple learns of the Master.

This is not an excuse to be lazy, and not take responsibility for anything. That is another trap entirely. We are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only! (James 1:22) But what we do has to be led by the Spirit, whose voice we learn to hear by choosing the good part. There is no blessing in running our own lives based on our human understanding of what is important. Mary understood that she needed to learn more of her Master and to seek the things that have eternal value. It’s when we do that that we can be a blessing, because then all of our works are Spirit-driven. Love causes us to listen, to learn, and to keep His commandments. (1 John 5:3)

“ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”  John 10:27.

Take heed to yourself

We can be in danger of falling into the same trap that Martha did. We can be so troubled by what we perceive as negative behavior in others, and become so self-righteous in our good works that we start to judge others for not doing as we do. Satan is the one behind these kinds of thoughts. He whispers lies and accusations, trying to create as much conflict as he can. His aim is to lead people as far in the opposite direction of “the good part” as he possibly can – to lead them away from Jesus. To listen to him and agree with him leads to all kinds of unrest and trouble and worry. We need to slam the door on his deceitfulness!

“Take heed to  yourself  and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you,”  it’s written in 1 Timothy 4:16. Only that will do us any good in life. The wrong choice that Martha made wasn’t that she was serving and doing good. It was that in her work she had demands and criticism on Mary, rather than doing what Jesus taught herself! If we are living before the face of God, we have no cause to look around at what others are doing and feel that we have a right to pass judgement on them. We live in obedience to the Spirit’s promptings in our own lives, and what others do is none of our business. We don’t know how He is leading others.

Let’s rise above all the noise and pursuits of this world and seek those things which have eternal value. Like Mary, let’s find that fellowship with the Master and with those who follow Him so that we can learn of Him and become like Him. Through the Word of God, fellowship, and prayer we become rich in our spirit, and God will give us everything we need in abundance.

 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  Philippians 4:8.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, unless otherwise specified. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Luke 10:38–42

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38  Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41  But the Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and distracted by many things ; 42  there is need of only one thing . l Mary has chosen the better part , which will not be taken away from her .”

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Luke 10:38–42 — The New International Version (NIV)

41  “ Martha , Martha ,” the Lord answered, “ you are worried and upset about many things , 42  but few things are needed — or indeed only one . Mary has chosen what is better , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — English Standard Version (ESV)

38  Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 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.” 41  But the Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are anxious and troubled about many things , 42  but one thing is necessary . Mary has chosen the good portion , which will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — King James Version (KJV 1900)

38  Now 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. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40  But 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. 41  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha , Martha , thou art careful and troubled about many things : 42  But one thing is needful : and Mary hath chosen that good part , which shall not be taken away from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — New Living Translation (NLT)

41  But the Lord said to her, “ My dear Martha , you are worried and upset over all these details ! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about . Mary has discovered it , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — The New King James Version (NKJV)

41  And Jesus answered and said to her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and troubled about many things . 42  But one thing is needed , and Mary has chosen that good part , which will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — New Century Version (NCV)

41  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42  Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — American Standard Version (ASV)

38  Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word. 40  But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41  But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha , Martha , thou art anxious and troubled about many things : 42  but one thing is needful : for Mary hath chosen the good part , which shall not be taken away from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)

38  And it came to pass as they went that he entered into a certain village; and a certain woman, Martha by name, received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also, having sat down at the feet of Jesus was listening to his word. 40  Now Martha was distracted with much serving, and coming up she said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Speak to her therefore that she may help me. 41  But Jesus answering said to her, Martha , Martha , thou art careful and troubled about many things ; 42  but there is need of one , and Mary has chosen the good part , the which shall not be taken from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

41  The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. 42  There’s only one thing you need.Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:38–42 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

41  The Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and upset about many things , 42  but one thing is necessary . Mary has made the right choice , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — The Lexham English Bible (LEB)

38  Now as they traveled along, he entered into a certain village. And a certain woman named Martha welcomed him. 39  And she had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the feet of Jesus and was listening to his teaching. 40  But Martha was distracted with much preparation, so she approached and said, “Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me alone to make preparations? Then tell her that she should help me!” 41  But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things ! 42  But few things are necessary, or only one thing , for Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)

41  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things. 42  But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)

42  but only one thing is necessary , for Mary has chosen the good part , which shall not be taken away from her .”

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Luke 10:37

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She is Called Women of the Bible Study Vol. 2

Mary and martha, sitting at the feet of jesus.

By Elder Michelle Christy

The story of Mary and Martha in the Bible shows us two different approaches to following Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha works hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister, Mary of Bethany, simply sits at his feet and listens. Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to abide with Christ. Sitting at the feet of Jesus prevents Mary’s service from becoming distracted and unhealthy.  

Jesus, you call us to seek your presence and to serve the world in your name. Teach us to seek you wholeheartedly and to serve you without distraction or self-righteousness. Fill us with your love that we might bring it to a broken and hurting world. Amen.

Key Scripture

Luke 10:38-42 , John 11 , and John 12:1-7

“Now as they went on their way, [Jesus] entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:38-42

Introduction to Mary and Martha in the Bible

In our text, we find Jesus headed two miles east from Jerusalem toward the nearby village of Bethany. Jesus stops in Bethany where his friends Martha and Mary and their brother, Lazarus, live. John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11:5). One commentator indicates that Mary and Martha may have been the most important and prominent women in Jesus’s life after his own mother. 1

If we consider the passage in its canonical order, we first meet Jesus’s friends here in Luke, and later in John 11 and 12. Mary positions herself at the feet of Jesus in each of these stories. Luke says Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” John 11 says she falls at Jesus’s feet. Mary anoints and wipes the feet of Jesus in John 12. The connection between Mary and Jesus’s feet is significant.

As Mary sits at Jesus’s feet, Martha finds herself “distracted by her many tasks” (Luke 10:40). Consumed by worry and anxiety, Martha demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her. Feeling justified, Martha receives an answer from Jesus she surely did not anticipate. Jesus commends Mary for sitting at his feet, inviting Martha to consider the way in which she serves.

Digging Deeper: Mary and Martha as Disciples of Jesus

The significance of mary at the feet of jesus.

Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying” (Luke 10:39). Without understanding the cultural context, we might miss the profundity of Mary’s posture. In Jewish tradition, “sitting at the feet” was what a disciple did. In Acts 22:3, the apostle Paul tells us that he was educated “at the feet of Gamaliel.” Gamaliel, an esteemed rabbi in Israel, trained Paul who would later self-describe as a “Pharisee of Pharisees” (Acts 23:6; cf. Philippians 3:5). 

Mary sits at the feet of her rabbi, Jesus. Since this was the posture assumed by a disciple, we can safely conclude that Mary was a disciple of Jesus. Mary, a woman in a male-dominated world, yet a disciple! Scandalous and profound, indeed! Jesus’s affirmation of Mary’s posture reveals his acceptance of Mary as a legitimate disciple. Jesus welcomes women to learn at his feet. 

Learning from both Mary and Martha

At first glance, we might assume this story invites us to be either a Mary or a Martha. We ask, “Does a disciple sit at Jesus’s feet or serve?” While this may seem like the main point the passage is making, a clue to a deeper meaning may lie in a small word in verse 39 that is often left out in translation: the Greek word “kai,” translated into English as “also.” A more literal, word-for-word translation would read like this: “And she had a sister called Mary, who also having sat at the feet of the Lord, was listening to his word.” 

What might “also” be referring to here? We might consider it to mean that Mary also served. Or, perhaps the word communicates that Martha “also”—just like her sister Mary—sat at Jesus’s feet. This could mean that, in general, they both sat at Jesus’s feet when he came around, but this time, it was only Mary. Either way, Jesus does not condemn Martha, nor does he pit the sisters against each other. Jesus seizes a teachable discipleship moment. 

Disciples are not called to either sit or serve but are called to both sit and serve.  

Was this distracted state Martha’s characteristic way of serving? Perhaps, given Jesus’s pointed answer to her demand. The word “distracted” means to be drawn away, driven about mentally, over-occupied. Very literally, it means to be pulled and dragged in different directions. Martha’s distraction leads to a sense of aloneness and self-righteousness, to self-focus and questions about Jesus’s care.

Martha’s distraction leads to five Ds: 

  • Disbelief – Martha asks, “Do you not care…?”
  • Defensiveness – Martha defends her place: “My sister has left me to serve alone.”
  • Dismissiveness – Martha depersonalizes Mary as “my sister,” as though Mary is not even there. 
  • Demands – Martha flat out says to Jesus, “ Tell her to help me.”
  • Desperation – Martha attempts to control the situation—and Jesus—with her comment about being alone. 

Martha’s distracted serving led her to a place she did not want to go. Martha surely regrets the way she speaks to Jesus. We hear him lovingly acknowledge the state of her heart when with tender repetition Jesus says, “Martha, Martha.” Jesus invites her to consider a way of serving that is without distraction or self-righteousness. In Martha’s mind, she seems to have no choice but to serve alone with much worry. Jesus reminds her that she does have a choice. Martha can spend time doing the one “needed” and “necessary” thing from which all else flows.  

She Is Called and We Are Called

Jesus did not acquiesce to Mary’s sitting at his feet. He unequivocally applauds it. Jesus affirms Mary as his disciple as well as her choice to abide with him. Jesus declares that “one thing” is needed as his disciple: a kind of attentiveness to Jesus that glories in his presence, a serving that bears eternal fruit.

Not long after visiting Mary and Martha, Jesus uses a vine as a teaching metaphor (John 15). As he walks through the grapevines of the Kidron Valley, Jesus emphatically endorses a choice like Mary’s. He instructs the disciples how to live without his physical presence. The key, he says, is abiding in him and allowing his words to abide in them. For apart from Jesus, they will not be able to do anything of kingdom value. It is to the Father’s glory that they bear much fruit. Mary models that fruit will not be born apart from remaining in Jesus. 

Yet and still, each of us needs to be a Mary and a Martha. As disciples, we are called both to sit and to serve. We are called both to abide and to bear fruit. We sit and hear Jesus’s word. We bow at his feet in worship. We kneel before him in prayer. In all these ways, we follow after Mary’s example at the feet of Jesus. It is in this place that we find the discernment, clarity, wisdom, strength, and courage to bring Christ’s loving presence into the world.

In our desire to follow God’s call by serving him with everything we have, we can easily find ourselves overcommitted, “worried and troubled about many things.” Distracted. In a culture that exalts multitasking and a “we-can-do-it-all” mentality, we have a teacher who invites us to learn his way and adopt his priorities. This one, who Paul says “ascended on high … and gave gifts,” gives each of us gifts for such a time to best express God’s love in our appointed generation (Ephesians 4:8, NIV). 

We each have our uniquely given expression in the body of Christ. If we are all trying to do it all , we are driven to distraction. Instead, we remain and abide in Jesus by sitting at his feet. We receive and absorb his love. We hear Jesus’s word, and these words remain in us. For apart from him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). 

Related: Finding Ways to Accept God’s Gift of Sabbath Rest

Friends, how will you choose to serve? Many of us find ourselves mostly like Martha. We can learn from Mary. Distraction is sometimes translated as “cumbered.” “Cumbered” speaks to hindrance, hampering, and obstruction. How might our hampered and hindered lives stand as an obstruction to the lasting fruit Christ desires to bear in and through us? What might it look like for us to abide at the feet of Jesus and to receive his invitation to be un encumbered by the weight of self-imposed responsibility, anxiety, and control? 

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). 

How fitting are these words! The one who sits at the rabbi’s feet learns the rabbi’s yoke. The rabbi’s yoke was a way of living and being in the world. Jesus’s yoke is easy and light. With Jesus’s yoke, there is work and there is rest. Jesus invites you: “Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how … Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message ).

Discussion Questions

  • Do you most identify with Martha or Mary?
  • What tends to distract and pull you away from Jesus? What is the result when you are distracted with much serving?
  • How is “sitting at Jesus’s feet” viewed by the culture and world around us? How about by the Church?
  • What surprised you in this Bible study session?
  • What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community?

[1] Ben Witherington, Women and the Genesis of Christianity (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1990), 99.

Michelle Christy is a speaker who passionately and faithfully leads others to personal and transforming encounters with God through the study of his Word. She brings almost 25 years of experience to her inspirational speaking and Bible teaching ministry, Defining Word. Michelle has spoken nationally and internationally, and thousands have experienced her sincere and natural style inviting them to a deeper relationship with God in Christ Jesus. Her Bible studies include The Goodness of God in the Waiting Rooms of Life, Defining Words for Daddy’s Daughters, and When Jesus Sees. For the last two years, she has also been serving as director of adult discipleship at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Michelle’s husband and her three adult children describe her with one word: intentional. Michelle is learning to be less of a striver and more of an abider.

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This Bible study is from the second book in the Women of the Bible Study Series. Get the book to discover how women like Mary and Martha, Abigail, and Junia embraced God’s call for their lives.

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Ministry-To-Children

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson

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This lesson is the fifth and last lesson in a series of five that explore the theme “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” through Bible stories that each involve the sharing of a meal.  I apologize that pregnancy and medical concerns have prevented me from posting this last lesson in the series until now.  I appreciate your understanding, prayers, and support. This lesson would work for Sunday School or Children’s Church.  The introduction and baby picture activities may be used as children’s sermon illustrations for this Bible story.  Estimated length is 45-60 minutes. Learning Objectives: Children will experience the story of Martha and Mary hosting Jesus and consider what place and priority Jesus should have in our lives and the interruptions and distractions that often get in the way. Target Age Group: Children age 5-12 years

Bible Story: Luke 10:38-42 Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Explanation: The big idea is that when we gather together around food and drink, Jesus is with us too, and this unites and strengthens our Christian community.  For churches that regularly observe the sacrament of Holy Communion, each of these Bible stories and lessons can be connected to the story of The Last Supper and the belief that Jesus told us to eat bread and drink wine together and remember him.  Jesus invites everyone to his table for forgiveness and renewal, especially those who are far from him or have forgotten his love, and his hope for us is that we would do the same for others. In the story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary, we are reminded that Jesus wants us to look to him before anything or anyone else, yet our lives are full of distractions that get in the way of making him our number one priority.  Gathering around the Communion table to remember Jesus is just one of many wonderful ways to return to him and our love and devotion for our God. Items Needed:

  • Bible/Children’s Bible
  • Small Containers with Lids
  • Rocks or Marbles
  • Rice or Sand
  • Markers or Crayons

Introduction: Give the children a task, like coloring a picture, writing three sentences, or memorizing a Bible verse.  Although some of the children to complete their work, but continually distract and interrupt some of the other children.  End the activity and call the group together to discuss the situation.  Who finished their task?  Why or why not?  Are their times in our lives when things get in the way of doing something important?  What would Jesus say is the most important thing for us to do? Remind the children about this introduction activity later in the lesson after they have heard the Bible story and do some further discussion if time allows. Story: Recruit a group of adults or older youth to perform a rendition of the following skit for the children.  It could also easily be modified into a simple puppet play.

Sunday School Lesson: Jesus is Coming to Dinner with Martha and Mary

Regular person: Hello. . .who is this? You’re kidding me! This must be a prank. You’re Jesus?! And you’re coming to dinner? Wow! I really need to clean up good! (Hangs up phone and frantically starts cooking and cleaning.) Ding. Dong. (Door bell) Person 1 at the door: Can you please help me? My car broke down. . . Regular person: Sorry, Jesus is coming to dinner and I’m too busy to help you. (Closes door. Continues cooking and cleaning. Some people can do this with much humor. The funnier the better!) Person 2 at the door: Hello, we are collecting donations for ______. . . Regular person: Sorry, Jesus is coming to dinner, can’t you see I’m busy. (Closes door. Realizes there is nothing to cook for dinner. Really starts to panic. More humor.) Person 3 at the door: Hi, I live next door and I was wondering if I could join you for some conversation. . . Regular person: Come back tomorrow, I’m super busy. (Closes door. All out panic.) (Quiet. Waiting.) Regular person: Where is Jesus? Ring. Ring. (telephone) Regular person: Hello? Is this Jesus? Hey, I cooked and cleaned all day and you didn’t show up. Where were you?  What do you mean you came to me three times and I turned you away?  I did? Discuss the skit with the group.  Share the Bible story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary found in Luke 10:38-42 .  The story could be read from a regular or children’s Bible.  Ask your students how the story of Martha and Mary was similar to what they saw in the skit.  Do the children think they would be more like Mary or Martha if Jesus came to their house?  Who would Jesus want us to be more like?   Explain what “Jesus” meant in the skit when he said, “I was already there three times.” Activity: Provide each child with a small container with a lid, like a glass baby food jar or small plastic container.  Help each child to put three objects inside the container, like three rocks or three marbles.  Then, fill the remaining space in the container with something smaller, like sand or rice, and then put on the top.  Now, have the children empty the contents of their container into an extra bowl.  Ask them to put the sand or rice in first and then the larger three objects (marbles/rocks) and place the lid back on.  They won’t be able to do it!  Now try putting the larger three objects in first and then the smaller material again.  Everything should fit just fine!  Discuss how the three large objects are like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  If we put those things “first” in our life and then add everything else (family, toys, school, tv, sports, etc.) everything seems to fit a whole lot better than if we try to do it the other way around.  Ask the children if they have any idea about what they can do to try to put Jesus first in their life. Art: Provide each child with a paper circle (or help them to make their own).  Work together to make a pie chart/illustration that shows how they spend their time.  For example, if most of their time is at school, color that in as the largest piece.  Use other colors and pieces to show how much time is spent on sleeping, eating, sports, homework, family, tv/video games, friends, etc.  Ask the children how the amount of time they spend focused on Jesus compares to the time they spend doing everything else.  Brainstorm some ideas about how to spend more time with God.  Make a list on the other side of the circle of the most important things in life.  Challenge the children to “put those things first” as much as possible. Communion Connection: The bread and wine of communion represent the enormous gifts Jesus gave to us when he died on the cross.  Communion is also a time when we can give back or love and devotion to Jesus by remembering him.  He said, “Do this and remember me.” Prayer: Consider using a “repeat after me prayer”.  Pause between every few words, allowing the children to echo what you have said.  Dear Jesus,/Thank you for/your endless love/even when/we seem to love/other things/more than you./Help us/to put you first./Amen.

jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

Need More Ideas? Then browse our videos about children’s ministry or discover free Sunday School crafts online .

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1 thought on “Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson”

Great lesson ideas! I’m going to use them with a class of elementary school aged children today – I am doing The Greatest Journey, with them, a Billy Graham curriculum – and I love the object lesson using the rocks and sand, and the skit, and the questions about how we use our time and putting God first. I am also using a song, by HillsongKids, Jr. called “love the Lord your God with all your heart”. Thank you for your ideas! God bless you!

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Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38-42 niv.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

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Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

The design and structure of Luke’s story about Jesus’ visit in the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) is straightforward, and it is told in a linear fashion.

Visit of Three Angels

July 17, 2016

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Commentary on Luke 10:38-42

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Mikeal C. Parsons

Martha extends hospitality to Jesus (38). Mary listens to Jesus’ teachings (39). Martha attends to the duties of hospitality (40a). Martha complains that Mary has neglected the duties of hospitality (40b). Martha asks Jesus to instruct Mary to help her (40c). Jesus responds that Mary has chosen the better activity (41-42).

Within the larger travel narrative (Luke 9-19), such stories as this revolve around the act of traveling and feature elements that are representative of the ancient Mediterranean custom of either hospitality or inhospitality.

The passage begins on this note: “Now, as they went along, he entered a particular village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him” (Luke 10:38). While Martha has fulfilled the typical expectations associated with a host, it is her sister, Mary, for whom Jesus reserves his highest praise. The contrast between the sisters’ actions is striking: “She had a sister named Mary, who had taken a seat at the feet of the Lord and was listening to him speak. Martha, though, was distracted by all that needed to be done” (10:39). Martha busies herself with “the details of serving” while Mary chooses to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to what he was saying. Apparently exasperated, Martha confronts Jesus about her sister’s actions, “Lord, doesn’t it concern you that my sister left me to serve alone? So, speak to her in order that she might help me” (Luke 10:40). Rather surprisingly, Jesus replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary, in fact, has made the right choice, and it will not be taken from her” (10:41-42). In this light, it would be difficult to imagine that the authorial audience understood Jesus’ praise of Mary to be an implicit criticism of Martha’s hospitality (a point underscored by the repetition of Martha’s name, an example of conduplicatio , a rhetorical device used to indicate compassion or pity). 1 Of course, Jesus had the capacity to level such criticism, as we see in the story of one Simon the Pharisee, who fails to follow proper hospitality protocols (Luke 7:36-50).

The passage turns on the meaning of the “one thing.” The “one thing” in Jesus’ logic is the “best part” which Mary has chosen. And what is that? According to Jesus, hearing the word of God’s messenger is the one thing needed, not providing for his physical needs (also Luke 8:15, 21). Thus, however important hospitality is in Luke as a social context for the spread of the Christian message, it is even more important to have followers who attend to Jesus’ messengers. The saying is less a condemnation of Martha’s frenzied activity and more a commendation of Mary’s posture as a disciple.

The language and setting of the story of Mary and Martha are reminiscent of the social custom of ancient hospitality, generally understood, in the ancient world, to refer to kindness shown to strangers.

The constant social context in ancient hospitality scenes appears to be travel. Hospitality was a highly valued and presumably widely practiced custom among pagans, Jews, and Christians. Hosts were expected to provide food, shelter, amenities, and protection to these traveling strangers, who sometimes turned out to be gods incognito. 2 In Greek culture, Zeus was celebrated as the god of hospitality 3 , and the practice of hospitality (among other things) separated high Greek civilization from the “barbarians.” Often these hospitality scenes ended with the host bestowing gifts upon the guest. 4 Jewish examples of hospitality also abound (e.g., Genesis 18:1-16; compare with also Genesis 19:1-23; 24:10-61; 43:16-34; Exodus 2:15-22; Joshua 2:1-22; Judges 4:17-22). Luke has a particular interest in issues of hospitality (Luke 7:36-46, 10:38-40; 19:1-9, compare with also Acts 9:43-11:3, 21:3-6, 21:7, 21:8-16; 28:6-10; 28:13-14). Often, as in our text here, the host initiates hospitality (Luke 7:36; 10:38; Acts 10:23; 10:22; 28:7).

This Lukan social ethic provides a solid foundation for Christian habits and practices both within the community (we have unlimited responsibilities to fellow believers) and with the world (we are called to provide Christian hospitality to those unlike us in nationality, faith, or ethnicity and assistance to those in immediate crisis). Christians are called to extend hospitality both as hosts and guests, and to fellow believers and non-believers alike. Such hospitality calls for personal and intimate engagement in a way that an insipid value such as “tolerance” does not. We are not called simply to “tolerate” or “endure” those not like us; rather the ancient “Christian virtue” of hospitality demands that we engage and interact with the Other, whether we are guest or host.

But there is another motif running alongside the theme of hospitality. Yes, Martha, the host, has busied herself with caring for her guest, and she exemplifies ideal hospitality. In the subsequent history of interpretation, Martha also represents the vita active , the active life. Mary, on the other hand, represents the vita contemplativa , the contemplative life. She sits at the feet of Jesus as a student and listens to him teach. Both the active life and the contemplative life are needed; to choose one over the other can create a false dichotomy. Ambrose observed: “Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God.” 5 Still, Christ gently reminds Martha (and Luke’s audience), that Mary’s is “the better part,” because actions — even acts of Christian charity and hospitality — if they are to be sustained, always follow being; that is, what we do flows naturally from who we are.

Material adapted from Luke. Paideia Commentary Series. Eds. Mikeal C. Parsons, Charles H. Talbert, and Bruce. Longenecker. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic (a division of  Baker Publishing Group ), 2015. Used by permission.

1 compare with Rhetorica ad Herennium 4.28.38.

2 Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.626-724.

3 Homer, Odyssey 9.266-71; Heliodorus, Aethiopica 2.22.2.

4 compare with Homer, Odyssey 1.311-18; Chariton, De Chaerea et Callirhoe 5.97; Longus, Daphnis and Chloe 3.9; 4.6; Dio Chyrsostom, Venator 7.21-22, 45, 57-58; Virgil, Aeneid 8.152-69.

5 Exposition of the Gospel of Luke , 7.85.

  • Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

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The story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) also puts generosity in the context of love for God. Martha works to prepare dinner, while Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Martha asks Jesus to rebuke her sister for not helping, but instead Jesus commends Mary. Regrettably, this story has often suffered from dubious interpretations, with Martha becoming the poster child for all that is wrong with the life of busyness and distraction, or what the Medieval Church called the active or working life of Martha, which was permitted but inferior to the perfect life of contemplation or the monastery. But the story must be read against the backdrop of Luke’s Gospel as a whole, where the work of hospitality (a vital form of generosity in the ancient Near East) is one of the chief signs of the in-breaking of God’s kingdom. [1]

Mary and Martha are not enemies but sisters. Two sisters squabbling about household duties cannot reasonably be construed as a battle of incompatible modes of life. Martha’s generous service is not minimized by Jesus, but her worries show that her service needs to be grounded in Mary’s kind of love for him. Together, the sisters embody the truth that generosity and love of God are intertwined realities. Martha performs the kind of generosity Jesus commends in Luke 14:12-14, for he is someone who cannot pay her back in kind. By sitting at Jesus’ feet, Mary shows that all our service ought to be grounded in a lively personal relationship with him. Following Christ means becoming like Martha and Mary. Be generous and love God. These are mutually reinforcing, as is the two sisters’ relationship with each other.

See Brendan Byrne, The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke’s Gospel (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000).

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Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Luke
  • The Kingdom of God Shows Up at Work (Luke 1-5)
  • God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)
  • John the Baptist Teaches Workplace Ethics (Luke 3:8-14)
  • Jesus is Tempted to Abandon Serving God (Luke 4:1-13)
  • Jesus Calls People at Work (Luke 5:1-11; 27-32)
  • Healing in the Book of Luke
  • Sabbath and Work (Luke 6:1-11; 13:10-17)
  • The Ethics of Conflict (Luke 6:27-36; 17:3-4)
  • God's Provision (Luke 9:10-17; 12:4-7; 12:22-31)
  • The Good Samaritan at Work—Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself (Luke 10:25-37)
  • The Shrewd Manager and the Prodigal Son (Luke 16:1-13; 15:11-32)
  • Jesus and Wealth in the Book of Luke
  • Concern for the Wealthy (Luke 6:25; 12:13-21; 18:18-30)
  • Concern for the Poor (Luke 6:17-26; 16:19-31)
  • Investing in Jesus' Work (Luke 8:3; 10:7)
  • Generosity: The Secret to Breaking Wealth's Grip (Luke 10:38-42; 14:12-14; 24:13-15)
  • Power and Leadership in Luke
  • Persistence: The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
  • Risk: The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
  • Humble Service (Luke 9:46-50, 14:7-11, 22:24-30)
  • Taxing Issues (Luke 19:1-10; 20:20-26)
  • The Passion of Jesus (Luke 22:47-24:53)
  • The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
  • Conclusion to Luke

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Contributors: Aaron Kuecker Adopted by the Theology of Work Project Board April 26, 2011. Image by fancycrave1 / Pixabay . Used with Permission .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License . Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

© 2011 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38  As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40  But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." 41  But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 10:38-42

Commentary on luke 10:38-42.

(Read Luke 10:38-42 )

A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lord Jesus and right care of her household affairs. But there was something to be blamed. She was for much serving; plenty, variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls. What needless time is wasted, and expense often laid out, even in entertaining professors of the gospel! Though Martha was on this occasion faulty, yet she was a true believer, and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favour of God is needful to our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful to our safety. Where this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. Christ declared, Mary hath chosen the good part. For one thing is needful, this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ. The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the furthest, when we shall be taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the love of Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us, and God and Christ will not. Let us mind the one thing needful more diligently.

More Commentaries for Luke 10

  • John Darby’s Synopsis
  • McGarvey and Pendleton
  • The Geneva Study Bible
  • John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
  • Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
  • B. W. Johnson’s Bible Commentary
  • John Lightfoot’s Bible Commentary
  • Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete)
  • Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

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Luke 10:38-42

Jesus visits martha and mary.

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JESUS VISITS MARY AND MARTHA – LUKE 10:38-42 (Teen Bible lesson)

by truewaykids | Jul 15, 2022 | NT TEEN , TEEN | 0 comments

Jesus visits Mary and Martha - printable Bible lesson for teen - LUKE 10:38-42

In this lesson, we will learn about Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha, shown to us in Luke 10:38-42. This lesson relates to pre-teens and teens, and by the end of this lesson, they should have learnt about the following: 

  • It is a blessing to be able to serve.
  • It is also a blessing to be able to rest and listen.
  • It is okay to share our frustrations with Jesus.
  • We should do what God wants us to do.

BIBLE PASSAGE:   Luke 10:38-42

MEMORY VERSE: “but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:42

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jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

BIBLE STUDY NOTES FOR TEENS

Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus were some of Jesus’ closest friends. John 11:5 tells us that Jesus loved them.

Martha and Mary were sisters living in Bethany. A town located about 2 miles on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Jesus had just finished teaching the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) and now arrived with His disciples to Mary and Martha’s house.

We are unsure if they were expecting a visit or if it was a surprise to open the door and find Jesus there. What we do see in the passage are two different reactions by the two sisters.

Jesus visited these sisters and taught them about spiritual matters. In Jesus’ day, most rabbis would not teach women, but Jesus valued them.

KEY POINTS FROM THE PASSAGE

1. WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE (Luke 10:38)

How would you react if you opened your front door and Jesus stood there with twelve disciples? How about if the pastor of your church turned up with twelve deacons? Would you welcome them in? Lead them into the garden, then run inside to tidy up? Make some excuse? Invite them to the local coffee shop for a chat?

Hospitality is a blessing. The Bible has a lot to say about it. 1 Peter 4:9 “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Hebrews 13:2 even says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Martha was able to give Jesus and those with Him a place to rest and recharge while also giving others a place where they could listen and learn from Jesus.

Hospitality is something we can all put into practice. Hospitality does not mean we have to throw a fantastic dinner party. The Bible’s view of hospitality is much simpler. It means giving people a warm welcome. It is all about sharing the love that God has shown us. What does this look like? We can invite a new person in our youth group to a social event with our friends. We can stay to chat when your parents ask another family around for dinner. We can serve others and their needs.

As we see in our Bible reading, it can sometimes be challenging. But it is a blessing to follow Jesus’ example and serve others.

2. WE ARE CALLED TO REST AND LISTEN (Luke 10:39)

We are told that while Martha was working, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. While Martha was troubled about many things, Mary had “chosen the good portion.” Martha had welcomed Jesus into her home, but Mary welcomed Him into her heart.

In a hustle culture, we can be tempted to measure someone’s worth by how busy they are and by how much they accomplish. We celebrate a full schedule.

We are certainly not to be lazy, but we must be careful that our noble desires don’t leave us with no time to be still in God’s presence and hear His word. 

It is easy for us to fall into the trap of doing much for Jesus (serving in kids ministries, cleaning the church, helping at a homeless shelter and so on) and neglect to spend time in prayer, fellowship and reading the Bible.

God calls us to service and equally calls us to rest, remember the Sabbath, seek Him, pray and study Scripture.

3. WE CAN TELL JESUS ANYTHING, EVEN OUR FRUSTRATIONS (Luke 10:40)

Imagine the scene in our reading. Over a dozen guests turn up at your house. You quickly begin to prepare the room. Move things off the sofa, bring out the spare chairs, run to the kitchen and think up a meal using what you have in your cupboards. You being to cook, serve the guests drinks and refreshments. You pull out the extra dishes and wash them. The list goes on.

Do you think it could be stressful? Do you think it could also be satisfying?

Then, in your busyness, you notice your sister is sitting down and chatting with the guests. You’re running around, and she is doing ‘nothing’.

It is easy for us to understand Martha’s frustration. How often have we felt the same? Martha, worn out from cooking and cleaning, went to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” v4.

Do you think it was okay for her to question Jesus? Martha was comfortable in taking the problem to Jesus. Often, we take our frustration out in the wrong places. We post about them on social media. We yell at the innocent waiter in the restaurant. We complain to our friends when we should be taking them to Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke Martha. He listens to her, cares and points her on a better path. (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus reminds Martha and us that our relationship with Him should be our greatest concern. When we get that right, we begin to get our other priorities right.

4. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS (Luke 10:40-42)

Martha’s frustration begins with comparing what she is doing with Mary. It is so easy to get discontented when we compare ourselves to others. The danger is both ways. We look online at someone’s profile, see their happy family, dream holiday, new toys, perfect smile and feel our lives are worth less. By contrast, we see someone who seems lazy, or someone living on the street or fighting addiction and begin devaluing that person.

Comparison is dangerous because we never see the whole story. Comparison doesn’t change anything; it only creates envy or resentment.

2 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Martha could have served Jesus and the disciples joyfully, but she allowed her sister’s actions to steal the joy of her worship and replace it with worry and upset. We should focus less on what others are doing (or not doing) and concentrate on doing what God calls us to do.

CONCLUSION 

In life, it can feel like we need always to be working, studying in school, serving in church, and following friends and family commitments. It can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is too easy for us to get wrapped up in everything we need to do. Our top priority must be spending time with Jesus and doing what He wants us to do.

YOUTH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR MARY AND MARTHA

SERVICE RELAY

Fill a tray full of non-breakable items.

  • Give the player a tray and time them to cross to the other side of the room and back.
  • They should hold the tray like a waiter.
  • Either time the player or split into teams and make it a relay race.
  • If any items are dropped, they must either stop and replace them on the tray or have a time delay.

GOOD OR BETTER

  • Create two zones, A and B.
  • Name two things such as food, drink, hobby, movie etc
  • Each child should then walk to which they think is better.
  • For example: What sport is better A) Running B) Swimming
  • Remind them how Mary chose what was better.

PRIORITY BOARDS

  • Use sticky notes to write daily tasks.
  • Next have a group discussion to arrange the tasks by priority.
  • Are there things missing from the board? Are there things that should be removed to make time for more important things?

Free printable Teen Worksheets in the lesson pack.

Jesus visits Mary and Martha - True or False worksheet for teens

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Kids Bible Lessons

Mary and Martha Lesson

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson

This lesson is the fifth and last lesson in a series of five that explore the theme “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” through Bible stories that each involve the sharing of a meal.  I apologize that pregnancy and medical concerns have prevented me from posting this last lesson in the series until now.  I appreciate your understanding, prayers, and support. This lesson would work for Sunday School or Children’s Church.  The introduction and baby picture activities may be used as children’s sermon illustrations for this Bible story.  Estimated length is 45-60 minutes. Learning Objectives: Children will experience the story of Martha and Mary hosting Jesus and consider what place and priority Jesus should have in our lives and the interruptions and distractions that often get in the way. Target Age Group: Children age 5-12 years

Bible Story: Luke 10:38-42 Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

Explanation: The big idea is that when we gather together around food and drink, Jesus is with us too, and this unites and strengthens our Christian community.  For churches that regularly observe the sacrament of Holy Communion , each of these Bible stories and lessons can be connected to the story of The Last Supper and the belief that Jesus told us to eat bread and drink wine together and remember him.  Jesus invites everyone to his table for forgiveness and renewal, especially those who are far from him or have forgotten his love, and his hope for us is that we would do the same for others. In the story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary, we are reminded that Jesus wants us to look to him before anything or anyone else, yet our lives are full of distractions that get in the way of making him our number one priority.  Gathering around the Communion table to remember Jesus is just one of many wonderful ways to return to him and our love and devotion for our God. Items Needed:

  • Bible/Children’s Bible
  • Small Containers with Lids
  • Rocks or Marbles
  • Rice or Sand
  • Markers or Crayons

Introduction: Give the children a task, like coloring a picture, writing three sentences, or memorizing a Bible verse.  Although some of the children to complete their work, but continually distract and interrupt some of the other children.  End the activity and call the group together to discuss the situation.  Who finished their task?  Why or why not?  Are their times in our lives when things get in the way of doing something important?  What would Jesus say is the most important thing for us to do? Remind the children about this introduction activity later in the lesson after they have heard the Bible story and do some further discussion if time allows. Story: Recruit a group of adults or older youth to perform a rendition of the following skit for the children.  It could also easily be modified into a simple puppet play. Jesus is Coming to Dinner Regular person: Hello. . .who is this? You’re kidding me! This must be a prank. You’re Jesus?! And you’re coming to dinner? Wow! I really need to clean up good! (Hangs up phone and frantically starts cooking and cleaning.) Ding. Dong. (Door bell) Person 1 at the door: Can you please help me? My car broke down. . . Regular person: Sorry, Jesus is coming to dinner and I’m too busy to help you. (Closes door. Continues cooking and cleaning. Some people can do this with much humor. The funnier the better!) Person 2 at the door: Hello, we are collecting donations for ______. . . Regular person: Sorry, Jesus is coming to dinner, can’t you see I’m busy. (Closes door. Realizes there is nothing to cook for dinner. Really starts to panic. More humor.) Person 3 at the door: Hi, I live next door and I was wondering if I could join you for some conversation. . . Regular person: Come back tomorrow, I’m super busy. (Closes door. All out panic.) (Quiet. Waiting.) Regular person: Where is Jesus? Ring. Ring. (telephone) Regular person: Hello? Is this Jesus? Hey, I cooked and cleaned all day and you didn’t show up. Where were you?  What do you mean you came to me three times and I turned you away?  I did? Discuss the skit with the group.  Share the Bible story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary found in Luke 10:38-42 .  The story could be read from a regular or children’s Bible.  Ask your students how the story of Martha and Mary was similar to what they saw in the skit.  Do the children think they would be more like Mary or Martha if Jesus came to their house?  Who would Jesus want us to be more like?   Explain what “Jesus” meant in the skit when he said, “I was already there three times.” Activity: Provide each child with a small container with a lid, like a glass baby food jar or small plastic container.  Help each child to put three objects inside the container, like three rocks or three marbles.  Then, fill the remaining space in the container with something smaller, like sand or rice, and then put on the top.  Now, have the children empty the contents of their container into an extra bowl.  Ask them to put the sand or rice in first and then the larger three objects (marbles/rocks) and place the lid back on.  They won’t be able to do it!  Now try putting the larger three objects in first and then the smaller material again.  Everything should fit just fine!  Discuss how the three large objects are like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  If we put those things “first” in our life and then add everything else (family, toys, school, tv, sports, etc.) everything seems to fit a whole lot better than if we try to do it the other way around.  Ask the children if they have any idea about what they can do to try to put Jesus first in their life. Art: Provide each child with a paper circle (or help them to make their own).  Work together to make a pie chart/illustration that shows how they spend their time.  For example, if most of their time is at school, color that in as the largest piece.  Use other colors and pieces to show how much time is spent on sleeping, eating, sports, homework, family, tv/video games, friends, etc.  Ask the children how the amount of time they spend focused on Jesus compares to the time they spend doing everything else.  Brainstorm some ideas about how to spend more time with God.  Make a list on the other side of the circle of the most important things in life.  Challenge the children to “put those things first” as much as possible. Communion Connection: The bread and wine of communion represent the enormous gifts Jesus gave to us when he died on the cross.  Communion is also a time when we can give back or love and devotion to Jesus by remembering him.  He said, “Do this and remember me.” Prayer: Consider using a “repeat after me prayer”.  Pause between every few words, allowing the children to echo what you have said.  Dear Jesus,/Thank you for/your endless love/even when/we seem to love/other things/more than you./Help us/to put you first./Amen.

Need More Ideas? Then browse our videos about children’s ministry or discover free Sunday School crafts online .

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  • Martha & Mary Children’s Sermon Object Lesson from Luke 10:38-42 This children’s sermon object lesson can be used in your children’s church to teach about Mary and Martha. In this powerful moral lesson, Jesus explains we all need to slow down and spend time with our Savior. Everyone can get busy doing good things, but...
  • Craft Activities: Mary & Martha from Luke 10:38-42 How do we slow down and put Christ first in all things? What does it mean to take time out for God? Children might not have the same concepts as adults when it comes to schedule struggles, but it’s never too early to communicate the...
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  • Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) Children’s Sermon Use the link above to print our free children’s sermon based on Luke 10:38-42 “In the home of Mary and Martha.” Then watch the teaching example below to help you prepare for Sunday’s ministry moment. Message Theme: Slow Down and Be…Choosing What is Better   Main...
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1 thought on “Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson”

Great lesson ideas! I’m going to use them with a class of elementary school aged children today – I am doing The Greatest Journey, with them, a Billy Graham curriculum – and I love the object lesson using the rocks and sand, and the skit, and the questions about how we use our time and putting God first. I am also using a song, by HillsongKids, Jr. called “love the Lord your God with all your heart”. Thank you for your ideas! God bless you!

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Luke 10:38-42 New Living Translation

Jesus visits martha and mary.

38  As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40  But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41  But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 New King James Version

Mary and martha worship and serve.

38  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named ( A ) Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, ( B ) who also ( C ) sat at [ a ] Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41  And [ b ] Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42  But ( D ) one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

  • Luke 10:39 NU the Lord’s
  • Luke 10:41 NU the Lord

Cross references

  • Luke 10:38 : John 11:1; 12:2, 3
  • Luke 10:39 : [1 Cor. 7:32–40]
  • Luke 10:39 : Luke 8:35; Acts 22:3
  • Luke 10:42 : [Ps. 27:4; John 6:27]

Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. , Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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IMAGES

  1. Gospel Reflection-16th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

  2. Mary and Martha

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

  3. Redeemer of Israel: Mary and Martha, Disciples of Christ

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

  4. Luke 10:39-42

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

  5. Proper Perspective: Martha & Mary (Luke 10:38-42)

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

  6. Mary and Martha

    jesus visits martha and mary (luke 10 38 42)

VIDEO

  1. Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

  2. Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

  3. Consecration to Jesus through Mary

  4. Luke 1:39-45 "Mary and Elizabeth"

  5. Luke 1:39-55 : Mary Visits Elizabeth

COMMENTS

  1. Luke 10:38-42 NLT

    Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.

  2. The lesson we can learn from Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42

    Yet, on one such visit from Jesus, they chose two very different actions, and the way that Jesus reacted to their choices is a very valuable lesson for us today. Let's review the story (Luke 10:38-42): Martha is worried. Martha was rushing around, serving and doing her best to make everything good for their beloved guest.

  3. Luke 10:38-42 NRSV

    Luke 10:38-42 — New International Reader's Version (1998) (NIrV) 38 Jesus and his disciples went on their way. Jesus came to a village where a woman named Martha lived. She welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was busy with all the things that ...

  4. oremus Bible Browser : Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, Lord, do you not care ...

  5. Luke 10:38-42

    Other Translations of Luke 10:38-42 King James Version Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 Now 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. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

  6. Luke 10:38

    Verses 38-42. - The sisters of Bethany. The following points are noticeable. A close intimacy evidently existed between the brother and his two sisters and Jesus. They evidently were prominent friends of the Master, and during the years of the public ministry were on many occasions associated with Jesus of Nazareth, and yet a singular reticence evidently existed on the part of the writers of ...

  7. Mary and Martha: Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

    The story of Mary and Martha in the Bible shows us two different approaches to following Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha works hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister, Mary of Bethany, simply sits at his feet and listens. Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to abide with Christ.

  8. Commentary on Luke 10:38-42

    Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus are Jesus' friends. This family opens their house to Jesus and his disciples. The Gospel of Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-11 are the only Gospels that narrate Jesus' visit to this family. The evangelist John provides us with more detailed information about this visit.

  9. Luke 10:38-42 ESV

    Martha and Mary - Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 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 ...

  10. Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson

    Bible Story: Luke 10:38-42 Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. Explanation: The big idea is that when we gather together around food and drink, Jesus is with us too, and this unites and strengthens our Christian community. For churches that regularly observe the sacrament of Holy Communion, each of these Bible stories and lessons can be connected to ...

  11. Luke 10:38-42,John 11:1-46 NIV

    11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick.". 4 When he heard this, Jesus said ...

  12. Luke 10:38-42

    Luke 10:38-42 NIV. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

  13. Commentary on Luke 10:38-42

    The design and structure of Luke's story about Jesus' visit in the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) is straightforward, and it is told in a linear fashion. Martha extends hospitality to Jesus (38). Mary listens to Jesus' teachings (39). Martha attends to the duties of hospitality (40a). Martha complains that Mary has neglected the ...

  14. Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

    The story of Martha and Mary ( Luke 10:38-42) also puts generosity in the context of love for God. Martha works to prepare dinner, while Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Martha asks Jesus to rebuke her sister for not helping, but instead Jesus commends Mary. Regrettably, this story has often suffered from dubious interpretations, with Martha ...

  15. Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary

    He used source A to write Luke 9:51-10:42 as the main account (ending with Jesus's visit to Mary and Martha's village, identified as Bethany as in John 11-12), and source B to write Luke 17:11-19:28 as either an amplified retelling of A, or a supplement to A. Rather than trying to integrate the two sources into a single account of the ...

  16. Luke 10:38-42

    Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.

  17. Luke 10:38-42

    Mary has chosen the better part. It won't be taken away from her. ". Luke 10:38-42 While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with ge...

  18. JESUS VISITS MARY AND MARTHA

    Jesus had just finished teaching the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) and now arrived with His disciples to Mary and Martha's house. We are unsure if they were expecting a visit or if it was a surprise to open the door and find Jesus there. What we do see in the passage are two different reactions by the two sisters.

  19. Luke 10:38-42 NRSVUE

    Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. [] 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus's [] feet and listened to what he was saying() 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself

  20. Luke 10:38-42 is the familiar Bible story of Mary and Martha ...

    Luke 10:38-42 is the familiar Bible story of Mary and Martha. As much as I have longed to be a Mary, "getting stuff done" is my nature and I'm definitely more like Martha. ⠀ And as much as I understand the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus, I'm conflicted with this story because I don't think Jesus means for us to sit around reading our Bibles, with worship music playing ...

  21. Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday School Lesson

    Bible Story: Luke 10:38-42 Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. Explanation: The big idea is that when we gather together around food and drink, Jesus is with us too, and this unites and strengthens our Christian community. For churches that regularly observe the sacrament of Holy Communion, each of these Bible stories and lessons can be connected to ...

  22. Luke 10:38-42,John 11:1-44,John 12:1-8 NLT;NIV

    Jesus Anointed at Bethany. 12 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate [] with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar [] of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it ...

  23. Bible Gateway passage: Luke 10:38-42

    Luke 10:38-42King James Version. 38 Now 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. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost ...

  24. Luke 10:38-42 NLT;NKJV

    Jesus Visits Martha and Mary. 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.