bible verse jesus visits mary and martha

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.

Continue this Bible study as a book

Get your copy of the she is called women of the bible study vol. 2.

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.

© Reformed Church Press

Sorry, an error was encountered while loading comparison.

Sorry, an error was encountered while loading the book.

Sorry, you don't have permission to view that book.

No matches.

Sorry, an error was encountered while loading part of the book.

An error occurred while marking the devotional as read.

An error occurred while accessing favorites

• Create a free account

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 .”

Read more Explain verse Share Copy

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 .”

Sign Up to Use Our

Free Bible Study Tools

Sign up for the Verse of the Day

Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. We’ll send you a new verse every day to download or share.

Bible Helps, Inc.

Publishers of Bible Teaching Literature

Mary and Martha: Friends of Jesus

By Harold S. Martin A Bible Helps Booklet No. 420

In this article we want to take a look inside a home that Jesus often visited. It is our purpose to meet some people who loved Jesus, and people whom He loved—the family of Martha and Mary and Lazarus.

The home of Martha and Mary was one of the homes in Bible times that was given to hospitality. Mary and Martha lived in Bethany, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem. Bethany was the starting point for the Palm Sunday procession.

There were two sisters and a brother who lived in the home which is the focus of our lesson. This was a home where love prevailed, but it was not without some quarrels and tensions. Luke tells us about a meal that was being prepared for Jesus. In the lesson Martha and Mary are the principal characters.

Martha wanted everything just right—the living room must be dusted, the drapes must be just so, and the flowers on the table must not clash with the colors of the table setting.

Mary seemed to care very little about such details. She didn’t mind disarranged cushions and things not always in their exact place. She preferred to sit and interact with the company than go to a lot of work to make a dainty meal.

Both women were kind and faithful disciples of Jesus, but their characters and temperaments differed.

The lesson has two primary centers:

• 1) The Supper: The visit of Jesus and His disciples (Luke 10:38-42)
• 2) The Funeral: The sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:20-32)

1. The Supper: the Visit of Jesus and His Disciples (Luke 10:38-42)

Jesus felt a close bond with the family living at Bethany. A beautiful friendship existed between Jesus and the two sisters, and their brother Lazarus. Jesus not only visited the family, but He felt free to drop in at any time. The fact that He loved the family is stated three times in just one chapter of the New Testament—John 11, verses 3, 5, and 36.

On the occasion described in Luke 10, Jesus was traveling through the country with His disciples, most likely coming up from Jericho. He had just related the story of the Good Samaritan (the man who was robbed and left for dead along the Jericho Road). Jesus no doubt sent a messenger on ahead to inform His friends at Bethany that they could expect Him for supper that night. His disciples may have gone on to Jerusalem, or perhaps they too were included among the visitors who would drop in at Bethany. That is not clearly stated.

We can almost see Martha, when she received word that Jesus was planning to stop by; she was concerned about hospitality and generosity. She immediately went to work, beginning to prepare the meal. She sent one of her helpers to the market to get some extra food; she began to build a fire for cooking—and in the midst of the bustle of preparation, Jesus arrived.

Luke 10:38 says, “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village; and a . . . woman named Martha received him into her house.”

Martha was the older of the two sisters, and the words “her house” indicate that she was the proprietor of the property. Martha welcomed Jesus into the home, and after the initial greeting, she hurried off to the kitchen to continue the preparation of the meal.

Verse 39 says, “And she had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.”

When Jesus arrived, Mary soon found a place sitting at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His words of wisdom. Mary took advantage of this time with Jesus to hear what He had to say—and what He was teaching about the real issues of life here and hereafter. There is something tranquil in what Mary chose to do. Mary chose to hear about matters of eternal consequence.

In verse 40, we read, “But Martha (who) was cumbered about much serving, came to (Jesus), and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.”

Martha was disturbed by the fact that Mary seemed to have no concern about helping her to prepare and serve the meal—and in a mood of desperation, she came to Jesus and lamented the fact that Mary had left her with the work of food preparation. Martha said in essence, “Doesn’t it seem unfair to you that Mary just sits here while I do all the work?” Martha said to Jesus, “Bid her therefore to help me” (verse 40).

Martha wanted to give her guests the royal treatment, but she allowed her concern about getting the meal ready turn to irritation and complaint. She was motivated by hospitality and wanted to be a good hostess—but she became involved beyond her strength! And so she went to Jesus and said, “Don’t you care that my sister has left me do all the work? Tell her to help me!” The Greek construction of the words makes it clear that Martha anticipated a positive answer to her question. She expected Jesus to come to her aid. She was sure He would send Mary to help in the kitchen.

But in verses 41-42 Jesus responded: “(He) answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful. And Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

The repeated use of Martha’s name indicates a sense of urgency. Jesus repeated the name of Simon (in Luke 22:31), and of Saul (in Acts 9:4). The phrase, “You are careful (anxious) and troubled about many things,” was saying in essence that Martha was disturbed about too many things which were not really important.

The “one thing needful” was something spiritual and eternal in nature, instead of those things that are merely material, physical, and social. Jesus said to Martha, “There is one thing in life worth being seriously concerned about—and that is the relationship of the human soul with God.”

Jesus is saying something like this: “Now Martha, stop and think about life; there are not really many necessary things. You are concerned about a lot of details, but you could live without them if you had to. On the other hand, there is one thing that you just can’t do without—and Mary has found it!”

The “one thing needful” is to take time to worship, and to hear about those things related to “the grace of God that brings salvation” (Titus 2:11).

The longer we live in this life, and the closer we come to the grave—the more we realize the importance of that truth. We can have health and money and lands and prosperity, but those things cannot really be called “needful.” The “many things” which most people are constantly striving for are not really necessities. For when we come to the end of life’s journey—the one thing that will count is whether or not we have accepted God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Martha was feverishly going about many things that day, in order to please and properly entertain the guests who had arrived. Jesus was not especially interested in being fed a sumptuous meal, but was rather interested in reaching open hearts to hear His message of good news!

Martha was active and anxious to serve others. Mary was quiet and contemplative. Jesus did not condemn Martha for attempting to provide a good meal for her company—and neither did He praise Mary for her indifference toward the work of helping to prepare the meal. Jesus will not criticize a woman for keeping a neat house, nor will He especially bless a woman who sits around all day at His feet and does nothing else!

Martha could have prepared a less lavish feast, and Mary could have offered to help Martha—but the point is this: There must be a balance between a place for the busyness of life, and the need for meditation at Jesus’ feet. We must guard against focusing most of our activity on providing physical comfort, and neglecting the provision of food for the inner person.

Unfortunately, when things get busy, usually the first thing to go is time with the Lord. The programs of the church, and the unending needs of people around us, are so pressing—that reading and hearing the Word of God is sometimes neglected. It is a sin to get caught up with our busy schedules, and fail to take time daily to be alone with God and His Word. Most of us can use a little more Mary and a little less Martha in our lives.

2. The Funeral: the Sickness and Death of Lazarus (John 11:20-32)

Sometime after the event described in Luke 10, Lazarus (the brother in the family) became seriously ill, and his sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, “He whom thou lovest is sick” (John 11:3). And when Jesus had heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was.

Jesus had a special love for the family, and because of His love for this household (John 11:5-6), He delayed going to their home. Jesus knew that Lazarus would be dead when He arrived in Bethany, but He also knew that He was going to do a great miracle. Jesus wanted all who would witness the miracle to know for sure that Lazarus was truly dead, and to be convinced that Jesus (the Son of God) had power over death.

In the warm climate of Palestine, a dead body would decompose rapidly, so the bodies of those who died were often buried the same day as the day of death. Lazarus had been dead four days by the time Jesus arrived. Jesus and His disciples were on the other side of the Jordan River when they received the news about Lazarus. The journey to Bethany meant traveling more than 20 miles (all by walking). The road to Bethany involved climbing from more than 1,000 feet below sea level, to an altitude of 2,700 feet above sea level. It took a long, long day of difficult up-grade walking to get from Jericho to Bethany.

When Jesus arrived, Martha was there to meet Him (verse 20), and she said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (verse 21). Jesus said to Martha, “Thy brother shall rise again” (verse 23). Martha responded that she believed in a general resurrection on the last day. But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (verse 25). Those who live and believe in Jesus will never die spiritually and eternally. Those who serve the Lord will not experience a loss of communion with God, even though the physical body dies.

In John 11, verse 27, Martha said to Jesus, “Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Remember that in Luke 10, which we examined earlier in this article, Martha was best known for being too busy to sit down and talk with Jesus—but here we see Martha as a woman of deep faith. It is likely that Martha (though busy with food preparation) took time to memorize Scripture while she stirred puddings and prepared soups!

Apparently Martha had also taken time to learn from Jesus and to know the basics of the Hebrew faith. Her statement of belief in verse 27 is exactly the response that Jesus wants to hear from all of us! “Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Martha, like Mary, was also a woman with a valid faith and a clear love for God.

Martha went quickly to call Mary, and Mary hurried to meet Jesus, and fell down at His feet, saying just what Martha had said before her, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (verse 32). When Jesus saw Mary weeping, He was deeply moved and He also wept (verse 35).

That was followed by the scene at the tomb, when Lazarus came forth at the mere word of Jesus. He was bound hand and foot with grave clothes. Jesus said, “Loose him and let him go”—that is, unwrap the grave clothes and let him go free. Surely there was a happy reunion that evening in the home of Mary and Martha at Bethany.

There are several practical applications gleaned from the lesson:

Lesson 1) We must not let the cares of this world take up too much of our attention, yet Jesus did not rebuke Martha for her zeal and her hard work.

Somebody had to prepare the supper. If Martha would have spent most of her time sitting at the feet of Jesus (like Mary did), Jesus and His disciples would have gone hungry that night. On the other hand, there is always the danger of putting too much emphasis on the busy side of life—which can lead to the neglect of the devotional and contemplative side. Jesus did not condemn Martha, but neither did He condone her activity. The serving was not bad, but she allowed the serving to get her all tensed up.

One writer says, “The Lord wants all of us to imitate Mary in our worship, and to imitate Martha in our work—blessed are those who achieve the balance!”

Lesson 2) Martha’s gift of hospitality is a gift which the Bible says is important. One of the qualifications for spiritual leaders is that they are to be “lovers of hospitality” (Titus 1:8). May God bless all thoughtful, busy, efficient housekeepers like Martha.

Lesson 3) Jesus saw Mary and the other mourners weeping, and He too wept. The words translated “weep” in John 11:33 and 11:35 are two different words.

Mary’s weeping (verse 33) was “a loud crying.” The weeping of Jesus (verse 35) simply means “to shed tears.” The heart of Jesus goes out in deep sympathy to those who know the ache of parting with loved ones at death. Jesus may have wept, however, not so much because Lazarus had died, but because He was going to call Lazarus back from the glories of the eternal world, into this life again—that is, to a life of grief and troubles.

Lesson 4) We notice how different the temperaments of true Christians may be. The two sisters in this lesson were faithful disciples.

• both had believed that Jesus was the Messiah
• both loved Jesus
• both welcomed Jesus into their home

But Martha was active, stirring, and impulsive—speaking out all she felt. Mary, by way of contrast, was quiet, still, contemplative, and had deep inner feelings. Just so, in our congregations today—we must not expect all believers in Christ to be exactly like each other. We must not think that others have not experienced God’s grace, just because their ways of doing things do not tally exactly with ours.

Lesson 5) It seems proper to provide for our families and to attend to the normal duties of life—but we must guard against letting our businesses, our daily callings, our household duties, and our interaction with society around us—become so demanding that our time for Bible reading is abridged, and the time for regular daily periods of family worship is skipped.

Lesson 6) Mary chose the good part, the one thing needful—which is salvation through repentance of sin, faith in Christ—and a commitment to follow Him in obedience.

That is the only thing which is absolutely needful, in order to be prepared for the life to come. Other things may be convenient, and helpful, and desirable, and useful, but there is one thing without which you cannot do—and that is saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was a home which Jesus graced a number of times with His presence. It was also a home He blessed with His greatest miracle. The little home in Bethany did not escape from the trials and tragedies of life. Martha and Mary and Lazarus dealt with normal anxieties. There was sickness, and death, and grief. The presence of Jesus in the home did not exempt them from these things. But there was also a deep faith: “Yea Lord, you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

How much is your home like the home described in our lesson? The presence of Jesus in your home will not remove the realities of life—but His presence will help you to live nobly through the crises that come—and to triumph over them! May God send special blessings upon your home in the days (and perhaps years) that may lie ahead.

December 13, 2016

The Gospel for Mary and Martha

Martha gets a bum rap.

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. While Martha bustles around preparing food for their guest, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to him. When Martha complains that she’s doing all the work, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

Most analyses of this passage end with the admonition to “be a Mary, not a Martha.” Women are especially plagued by this notion, often caveman-like in its simplicity: “Martha bad. Mary good.”

Now, I’m not contradicting Jesus here. Martha got it wrong—that time. But it doesn’t follow that Mary was a better person, or a more devoted follower of Jesus. Another Bible story offers a side-by-side view of Mary and Martha: the events leading to the raising of Lazarus in John 11.

A Different View of the Sisters

Jesus receives word that Lazarus is ill to the point of death. Instead of going to the aid of his friend, however, Jesus delays. When he finally does arrive, Lazarus has already died. The moment she learns of Jesus’ arrival, Martha rushes to him. In the midst of her grief, she makes a remarkable statement of deep faith: “Martha then said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you’” (John 11:21-22).

Where is Mary? In the house, mourning. She doesn’t come to Jesus until he calls for her (v. 29). She doesn’t make a great claim of faith like Martha. She isn’t there to hear one of Jesus’s most remarkable claims about himself, in verses 25-26: “I AM the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

Mourning is not a sin. Neither is housework. I’m not highlighting these events to turn people against Mary in favor of Martha. Both were devoted followers of Christ. Neither of them were perfect.

We Need Martha and Mary

Martha is a “doer.” She has a take-charge attitude, and she will do whatever needs to be done. But when the chips are down and there’s nothing left to do, she knows that she can turn to Jesus. She loves to serve others—we see her three times in the Gospels, serving every time. She speaks her mind. Martha is dependable. If you need Martha to be somewhere, she’s probably already there, getting things done.

Mary is a woman of few words. She is not a typical leader, but she is a devoted follower. She doesn’t offer the kind of service or action that other people do, but she does offer herself, and she’s capable of tremendously beautiful acts of worship.

We need both Marys and Marthas. Say there’s a death in your family. Mary will sit with you and put her arms around you while you weep. But you still have to eat. Martha’s the one who brings you food, and makes sure someone waters the plants and walks the dog. Both of them are loving you. You need them both.

I can easily spend an hour or more in devotions every morning. Sometimes I have to force myself to stop studying Scripture so I can get other things done. That sounds very holy and spiritual, doesn’t it? But what if it makes me late for work? What if guests are coming and my wife is left to do all the cleaning herself? What if I really needed to take the car to the shop—and now there’s no time?

The issue isn’t only whether Jesus is a higher priority. Of course he is. But Jesus would never want me to sit there reading all day while my house falls apart and my wife feels abandoned. Devotion can be an excuse for laziness, and allowing my life to become that imbalanced would not please the Lord.

Worship in All Things

We are admonished in Scripture to do all things to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Is Christ less present in my life while I’m making the bed than when I’m reading the Bible? No. The life of the Christian should be characterized by worship in all things, not just obviously religious activity.

In Luke 10, Jesus doesn’t scold Martha for working around the house; that’s not the issue. The one necessary thing was attention and devotion to him. Mary could’ve been letting her mind wander while Jesus was speaking to her, just as Martha could’ve continued cooking and cleaning and setting a nice table as an honorable offering to Jesus.

But Martha expresses consternation with Mary, and that’s when Jesus rebukes her. Sitting at his feet isn’t holier than cooking in the kitchen. Jesus tells Martha not to worry about Mary, but to follow him while she cooks and cleans.

The Gospel for Mary and Martha

The Christian life is not a competition to see who the “best” Christian is. We all sin and fall short. Rather, it is a turning of all our earthly deeds and passions toward the Lord Jesus Christ. So if you’re a Martha, stay a Martha! She was no less devoted to Jesus than Mary. Love him in your work—do it with all your heart!

The good news of Jesus Christ is for all those who know their need for him. Mary is not our standard of living any more than the many other notable figures in the Bible story. I checked, and Hebrews 12:2 says quite clearly that it is Jesus who is the perfecter of our faith.

Whether you are a Martha or a Mary, look to Jesus, and follow him.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock ]

Joel stucki.

Mission Bible Class

Mary and Martha

Suggested Emphasis: Make hearing the words of Jesus a priority (reading the Bible, attending church, etc.)

Memory Verse: “So faith comes from hearing the Good News. And people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ.”   Romans 10:17, ICB

Story Overview:

Jesus visited the home of his friends, Mary and Martha. While Martha was busy with meal preparations, her sister sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching. When Martha got upset at her sister for not helping, Jesus told her that Mary was choosing to do what was better.

Background Study:

Only Luke records this event in the life of Jesus. It takes place in the village of Bethany. Bethany is on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives and is about two miles from Jerusalem.

Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus are good friends of Jesus ( John 11:5 ). After today’s story we read about them again when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead ( John 11:1-44 ). He stopped to see them again, one last time, at the beginning of the last week before his crucifixion ( John 12:1-3 ).

Your students will probably enjoy hearing about the fact that Jesus had special friends. Friendship is such an important part of a child’s life and knowing Jesus had friends will help them better relate to him.

Martha was showing great hospitality when she opened her home to Jesus and the other disciples. This could have meant Jesus and the twelve apostles. It could have included some of the many others who travelled with Jesus. In Luke 10 Jesus sent out 72 people to travel ahead of him. These all returned to him ( Luke 10:17 ). There were also women who traveled with Jesus ( Mark 15:40-41 ).

Proverbs 31:10-27 gives an outline of tasks that a woman would have been expected to perform in taking care of the household. The preparation of food would not have been easy. Each day women walked to a well to obtain water needed for food preparation and general household tasks. The woman of the house would have had to grind grain, bake bread, milk the goats and make cheese and curds. This was done first thing each morning. Animals would have to be slaughtered for meat. Extra trips to the market would have been required for extra guests.

Most of the food preparation would probably have been done in an outside courtyard. This would have been preferable to the darker interior of the house where smoke from a fire would accumulate. The baking would have probably been done in a large clay or stone oven in the courtyard.

In saying all of this it is easy to see how Martha must have gotten caught up in the preparations. Since it was her house she might have felt more responsible for the comfort of Jesus and his friends. Whatever the case, Martha began to resent the work she was doing instead of enjoying providing the service.

Preparing the food was not a bad thing to do. Jesus does not tell her that she should have been in with Mary listening to him. He does, however, comment on the fact that she is worried and upset about many things when she could be doing what Mary is doing.

Mary had probably been helping in the preparations at some point. But she made a choice to come and listen to Jesus speak. She knew that every word he said was precious. Choosing to listen to Jesus is always a good choice.

Sports and sleeping in on Sunday mornings are not bad things, in themselves, but choosing to be with other Christians and learn about Jesus is always a good choice.

Way to Introduce the Story:

Ask the children to imagine this: You are home one night, asleep in your bed. You awaken because you smell smoke. You call out to your Dad and Mum and they tell you to hurry and get out of the house. Dad says, “You have time to grab two things out of your room.” Of course this is an imaginary story. In real life, you wouldn’t stop to get anything. You would just want to get away from danger as fast as you could. But let’s imagine you get to choose two things and everything else is going to burn up. What would you choose? (Let the children share their answers.)

A lot of things would be good to choose. But if you were only allowed to choose two things you would probably choose the two things that are most important to you. In today’s story we are going to learn about two sisters. One chose to do a good thing and the other chose to do something more important. top

Note: This is a short story in the bible. It might be a good day to read the verses straight from the bible instead of using a visual aid. For more active listening direct the children to stand up when someone in the story is choosing a good thing. They should sit down when someone in the story is not choosing a good thing. When Jesus is speaking the children should cup their hands by their ears to show they are really listening well.

(The Story, 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. (Martha was choosing a good thing- stand up)

She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. (Mary was choosing a good thing- keep standing)

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!” (Sit down, Martha was not choosing a good thing.)

“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.” (Cup your hands behind your ears because Jesus is speaking.)

Now, Mary and Martha both chose good things in the story. Who wants to guess which chose the BEST thing? top

Ways to Tell the Story:

The slideshow and set of illustrations at right cannot be viewed here on this website but can be downloaded directly from http://www.freebibleimages.org/photos/lumo-mary-martha/

Be selective.  Each teacher is unique, so only use the illustrations that best relate to how YOU tell the story in THIS lesson. Too many illustrations can be confusing, so eliminate any that cover other stories or details you do not wish to emphasise in this lesson.

Review Questions:

• Which two sisters did Jesus eat a meal with? Mary and Martha
• Which sister chose to prepare food and which sat and listened to Jesus? Martha-preparation, Mary-listened to Jesus
• Who chose the better thing, Mary or Martha? Mary

Song Suggestions:

• Oh, How I Love Jesus Song
• Potato Chip Song
• Booster Song
• Refer to the Song Page on this website for more options.

Learning Activities and Crafts:

(How to choose the best learning activities for my teaching situation)

Activities:

• Prepare food the way it was prepared in the time of Jesus. Grind some grain to make flour. Bake some bread. You could also buy a type of bread that has whole grains in it. Let the children look for the grains in the bread. Drink goat’s milk or eat goat cheese. Try some curds (cottage cheese). Eat grapes, olives, raisins, nuts, fish, and other items Jesus might have eaten.
• Spend some time on the memory verse. Write the verse on the board. Have the whole class say the verse together. Then erase a few words and have everyone say the verse together again. Continue erasing a few more words each time and having everyone say the verse together. Soon you will have erased the whole verse but still be able to say it.
• Divide the class into two teams and have them line up. When you say “go” the first person from each team walks up to the chalkboard and writes the first word of the memory verse. They return to their teams and tag the next person. These team members then walk up to the board and write the next word of the verse before tagging the next person. First team to finish the whole verse wins.
• Play a simple word game.  Bible Wordz Game  is an adaptable game, children form words from letter tiles. The words relate to words found in the Bible lesson.

• Visit the Teaching Ideas page for additional activities and crafts.

Other Online Resources:

• Colouring page and worksheets about Mary and Martha (Calvary Curriculum)
• Colouring page (Sermon 4 kids)
• Printable worksheet to help children take notes during worship assembly (Larissa Holland)
• A number of activities (Sermon 4 kids)

Share or print:

• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

8 thoughts on “ Mary and Martha ”

• Pingback: Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-72) Sunday School Lesson and Activities | PDF Sunday School Works | Sunday School Lesson this Week |

This materials really help me with some insight of how to tell the story to kids in different levels.

I printed small copies of the slides on a worksheet, added call-out frames and asked my students to say what the slide was about or what the characters might have been saying.

Excellent idea, Clarice. I’ve tried that before but could never get it to look right. Would you mind emailing an example to me? I’d love to share your idea with others. [email protected]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Bible Odyssey

Search the Site

Mary and Martha

• Mary Ann Beavis

In the Gospels, the sisters Mary and Martha are mentioned only in Luke and John, but they figure prominently in many early and medieval Christian traditions.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Did You Know?

• Mary and Martha are identified as “loved” by Jesus in John 11:5.
• Luke doesn’t say that Martha was doing housework.
• In the Western church, Mary of Bethany was confused with Mary Magdalene.
• Mary and Martha are the original “apostles to the apostles.”
• Mary of Bethany is the woman who anointed Jesus.
• In early Christian writings and artifacts, Mary and Martha are portrayed at the cross and at the empty tomb.
• Martha was portrayed as a dragon-tamer in medieval legend.
• Mary and Martha are among the holy myrrh-bearing women in the Orthodox Church.

Search the Bible

Results from new revised standard version updated edition.

Mary and Martha are not frequently mentioned in the New Testament, but their names are well known. The most famous story about them appears in Luke 10:38-42, but they also figure prominently in John 11:1-12:8 and in many postbiblical traditions. Although contemporary understandings of their significance to the early church have been eclipsed by the scholarly preoccupation with Mary Magdalene, they were highly revered by ancient Christians, and their role in the Gospels and beyond is starting to be recognized.

Who are Mary and Martha in the Bible?

Luke 10:38-42 portrays Jesus visiting the house of Martha (compare John 12:1, which has the meeting take place at the house of Lazarus, who is not mentioned in Luke’s story). Her sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’ feet listening to him. Martha, “distracted by her many tasks,” asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus replies: “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 10:41-42).

When most people read this story, they often imagine a harried housewife complaining about her lazy sister. Jesus’ gentle rebuke reminds his audience to attend to what’s important—his presence. However, Martha is not shown doing housework, and Jesus doesn’t specify what the “one thing…the better part” is. Rather, Martha is a householder who hosts Jesus; she is engaged in much “work” or, better, “service” (Greek: diakonian ). By contrast, Luke depicts Mary as a disciple sitting at Jesus’ feet. Both women are engaged in different aspects of ministry, or ways of following Jesus and his teachings. The story illustrates how householders should treat visiting teachers. Mary Stromer Hanson observes that it isn’t even clear that Mary is in the house with Martha and Jesus; possibly, Martha’s complaint is that Mary’s discipleship has taken her away from home.

John 11:1-12:8 also features the sisters. Here, they are located in Bethany, and the story revolves around Jesus’ raising of their brother, Lazarus, from the dead. We are told that Jesus loved all three siblings (John 11:5), the only people mentioned by name in the Gospel as being loved by Jesus. Both women figure significantly in the story: Martha confesses that Jesus is the Messiah (John 11:27), and Mary’s tears prompt Jesus to raise Lazarus (John 11:28-44). In gratitude, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume at a banquet where “Martha served” (John 12:2). Here, Judas criticizes her for wasting money, but Jesus commends her. All four Gospels contain stories of a woman who anoints Jesus; only John names her as Mary of Bethany.

Who are Mary and Martha in Christian Tradition?

The sisters appear in many postbiblical traditions. Early Christians often interpreted Luke 10:38-42 as depicting active (Martha) and contemplative (Mary) vocations. Some later texts and artifacts depict the sisters at the cross and resurrection. The first usage of the title “apostle to the apostles” (third century) refers to Martha and Mary, not to Mary Magdalene. This tradition endures in the Orthodox icon of the holy myrrh-bearing women, including Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene.

The gospels name only one Martha, but multiple Marys: Mary of Nazareth (Jesus’ mother), Mary of Bethany (Martha’s sister), and Mary Magdalene. Because of their similar names, early Christians sometimes confused Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Contemporary scholars have perpetuated the confusion by identifying the Mary mentioned in some ancient texts (such as the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Thomas ) as Mary Magdalene. However, in these texts, Mary is often not called “Magdalene”; she appears with Martha, she poses at Jesus’ feet; she is criticized by a disciple; she is defended by Jesus or a disciple; and she is a beloved disciple, commended by Jesus. That is, the woman called simply “Mary” is portrayed more like Mary of Bethany than Mary Magdalene. These texts portray Mary in many roles, from the woman who receives special revelations to miracle-working missionary and Eucharistic minister (see Beavis 2013).

Because the gospels mention so many women named Mary—and it’s hard to know which one is which—later Christians tended to conflate or compress them all into a single figure. Eastern Christians resisted this conflation, traditionally regarding the two Marys as distinct saints. In the West, however, Pope Gregory the Great pronounced, in the sixth century, that the “sinner” Mary who anointed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50) was Mary Magdalene rather than Mary of Bethany. A popular medieval French legend spread this idea, portraying Martha, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarus as missionaries to southern France, where Mary preached and performed miracles and Martha saved the village of Tarascon from a dragon, taming it with a cross and holy water. Many Christians—especially in France—continue to believe that Mary and Martha are buried in France, far from their native Bethany.

Bibliography

• Beavis, Mary Ann. “Mary of Bethany and the Hermeneutics of Remembrance.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 75 (2013): 739-55.
• Beavis, Mary Ann. “Reconsidering Mary of Bethany.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 74 (2012): 281-97.
• Peters, Diane E. The Many Faces of Martha of Bethany . Ottawa: Novalis, 2008.
• Hanson, Mary Stromer. The New Perspective on Mary and Martha . Eugene, Ore.: Wipf & Stock, 2013.

Mary Ann Beavis is professor of religion and culture at St. Thomas More College, the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of many articles and several books, most recently a commentary on the Gospel of Mark (Baker, 2012).

Burial Practices in First Century Palestine

• Byron R. McCane

Jesus, Lazarus, and Friendship

• David Konstan

Women’s Work in the Greco-Roman World

• Lynn H. Cohick

• John T. Fitzgerald

John 11:20-35

John 11:20-35 nlt.

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” So Mary immediately went to him. Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept.

Read John 11

Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to John 11:20-35

Breakthrough To Your Miracle

Miracle Breakthrough

The Most Powerful Words On Earth

God Said, Live!

The Boundaries Of Jesus

Hope for Caregivers: Three Ways Christ Carries Your Grief

It's Ok to Be Disappointed, but Don’t Stay There, Overcome!

Lazarus, Come Forth Out of the Tomb

What About Suffering?

Are You a Mary or Martha?

The Alabaster Jar

Finding Jesus: A Five Day Devotional

Sneezing Jesus: How God Redeems Our Humanity

Alive In Christ

Lazarus Come Forth

Running The Race To Win

BLESSED BROKEN GIVEN

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge–13–The Miracles Of Jesus

Jesus' Miracles Are Meant for Me

All About Heaven - Grief

Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World

Surviving Sorrow: Devotions for Parents in Mourning

«Here’s How I’m Feeling, God...»

Grieving With Hope

Counseled - Facilitating Change

Get the YouVersion Bible App

Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!

YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy

Mary and Martha Bible Story Study Guide

Public Domain

• The New Testament
• Christianity Origins
• The Old Testament
• Practical Tools for Christians
• Christian Life For Teens
• Christian Prayers
• Inspirational Bible Devotions
• Denominations of Christianity
• Christian Holidays
• Christian Entertainment
• Key Terms in Christianity
• Catholicism
• Latter Day Saints

• M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University
• B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University

The Bible story of Mary and Martha has confused Christians for centuries. The main lesson of the story places emphasis on giving attention to Jesus over our own busyness. Learn why this simple incident continues to baffle energetic Christians today.

Questions for Reflection

The story of Mary and Martha is one we can return to study again and again in our walk of faith because the lesson is timeless. We all have aspects of Mary and Martha within us. As we read and study the passage, we can reflect on these questions:

• Do I have my priorities in order?
• Like Martha, am I worried or anxious about many things, or, like Mary, am I focused on listening to Jesus and spending time in his presence?
• Have I put devotion to Christ and his word first, or am I more concerned about doing good deeds?

Bible Story Summary

The story of Mary and Martha takes place in Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:2.

Mary and Martha were the sisters Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead. The three siblings were also close friends of Jesus Christ . They lived in a town called Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem. One day while Jesus and his disciples stopped to visit in their home, a wonderful lesson unfolded. 

Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening intently to his words. Meanwhile, Martha was distracted, working frantically to prepare and serve the meal for her quests.

Frustrated, Martha scolded Jesus, asking him whether he cared that her sister had left her to fix the meal alone. She told Jesus to order Mary to help her with the preparations.

"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." (Luke 10:41-42, NIV )

Life Lessons From Mary and Martha

For centuries people in the church have puzzled over the Mary and Martha story, knowing that someone has to do the work. The point of this passage, however, is about making Jesus and his word our first priority. Today we come to know Jesus better through prayer , church attendance , and Bible study .

If all 12 apostles and some of the women who supported Jesus' ministry were traveling with him, fixing the meal would have been a major job. Martha, like many hostesses, became anxious over impressing her guests.

Martha has been compared to the Apostle Peter : practical, impulsive, and short-tempered to the point of rebuking the Lord himself. Mary is more like the Apostle John : reflective, loving, and calm.

Even still, Martha was a remarkable woman and deserves considerable credit. It was quite rare in Jesus' day for a woman to manage her own affairs as the head of the household, and especially to invite a man into her home. Welcoming Jesus and his entourage into her house implied the fullest form of hospitality and involved substantial generosity.

Martha appears to be the eldest of the family, and head of the sibling household. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, both sisters played a prominent role in the story and their contrasting personalities are evident in this account as well. Although both were upset and disappointed that Jesus did not arrive before Lazarus died, Martha ran out to meet Jesus as soon as she learned he had entered Bethany, but Mary waited at home. John 11:32 tells us that when Mary did finally go to Jesus, she fell at his feet weeping.

Some of us tend to be more like Mary in our Christian walk, while others resemble Martha. It's likely we have qualities of both within us. We may be inclined at times to let our busy lives of service distract us from spending time with Jesus and listening to his word. It's significant to note, though, that Jesus gently admonished Martha for being " worried and upset ," not for serving. Service is a good thing, but sitting at Jesus' feet is best. We must remember what is most important.

Good works should flow from a Christ-centered life; they do not produce a Christ-centered life. When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

Luke 10:41–42 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” ( NLT )

• Bible Story Summaries (Index)
• The Raising of Lazarus Bible Story Study Guide
• All the People Raised From the Dead in the Bible
• Meet Thaddeus: The Apostle With Many Names
• Meet Mary Magdalene: Loyal Follower of Jesus
• Meet Mary: Mother of Jesus
• Meet Elizabeth, Mother of John the Baptist
• Examples of Friendship in the Bible
• Meet Thomas the Apostle of Jesus Christ
• What Did Lazarus Experience in Heaven?
• Introduction to John's Gospel
• Phileo: Brotherly Love in the Bible
• What Does the Bible Say About Attending Church?
• Meet the Apostle John: 'The Disciple Jesus Loved'
• Peter the Apostle - Member of Jesus' Inner Circle

6 Things to Know about Mary and Martha in the Bible

The names of Mary and Martha are names that many people are familiar with. When Martha is spoken of, she is often scorned for being too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet while Mary is often praised for doing the opposite. Beyond that are there any other things to know about Mary and Martha? In the Bible, two of the most well-known mentions of Mary and Martha are found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John. Using these two passages primarily, here are six things to know about Mary and Martha in the Bible.

1. They were loved by Jesus.

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus ." – John 11:5

Perhaps the most obvious thing to know about Mary and Martha in the Bible is they were loved by Jesus. We know that Jesus loves everyone because that is his nature. However, there are very few places in Scripture that highlight this level of love on such a personal level. What this tells me is that Jesus had more than just a casual relationship with Mary and Martha. They truly held a special place in his heart. This relationship extended not just to Mary and Martha but also to their brother Lazarus. We see this especially when Lazarus dies and Jesus’ emotional response when he arrives at the tomb of Lazarus. I am not sure how this relationship formed or developed, but we know these people were special to Jesus.

2. They were possibly part of a Jewish sect called the Essenes.

Since Mary and Martha lived in Bethany, it is possible they belonged to a Jewish sect known as the Essenes. One of the hallmarks of this community is their devotion to serving the poor and caring for the sick. Here is a quote from the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies on this place in Bethany.

“Bethany was not far from Jerusalem (there was also a Bethany across the Jordan river). There are many reasons to think it was a very special village. It is likely that this village served as one of the Jewish Essene diaconal centers. These centers were spread throughout the ancient Jewish world. Essenes (a Jewish sect) were known for their commitment to serve the poor and sick.”

It is not far-fetched to believe Mary and Martha were part of this community even though the Bible does not say this explicitly, we can make this assertion from a historical context.

3. They were well respected in the community.

"On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother." – John 11:17-19

It appears from this verse that Mary and Martha and their family were well respected in the Jewish community. Upon news of her brother’s death, the Bible tells us that many Jews had come to comfort them. This could be because they were part of the Essene sect mentioned above and if they weren’t then it’s possible Lazarus was. Either way, many Jews came to comfort them after the death of their brother.

4. We are not sure how old they were.

One thing we don’t know about Mary and Martha in the Bible is how old they were. There is no way of definitively determining their age, but here are some clues that might help get us in the ballpark. In the mentions of Mary and Martha in the Bible, there is no mention of husbands or children. In the Jewish culture of that day women were often married during their teenage years. Also because of the way the culture was designed, it was rare in those days for a woman to be unmarried. This can lead to a few conclusions. They may have been widowed or if they did indeed belong to the Essene sect, then they could have taken a vow of celibacy which was part of the practice of this group.

It is also safe to assume that Lazarus was their younger brother which could be why they were so concerned when he got sick and died. Had they been much older and Lazarus much older I wonder if there would have been that same sense of urgency.

5. They were possibly women of financial means.

If Mary and Martha did not belong to the Essene sect, then it is possible they were women of financial means. There are two things we know about Mary and Martha in the Bible that could lead to this conclusion.

The first one is the dinner given to Jesus in his honor. "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." – John 12:1-3

At this dinner, Mary opens an expensive bottle of perfume which was worth one year’s wages. Estimates say this perfume was worth three hundred denarii and considering that a typical day laborer worked for one denarius per day, this was a very expensive perfume. A perfume that expensive was either gifted to Mary or she purchased it. If she purchased it, that could point to the financial viability Mary and Martha possessed.

The second is when Jesus visits their home. "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him." – Luke 10:38

As I mentioned earlier this is the one story most people know about Mary and Martha in the Bible. It is in this passage in Luke where Martha is serving, and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. How then does this potentially speak to their financial position? Simply the fact that Martha was able to host Jesus and his disciples in her home can speak to the size of her home and her ability to provide food for a group of this size. I am not trying to say Mary and Martha were rich and loaded, I am simply looking at the evidence and drawing out some possibilities.

On a side note, Martha was likely the older of the two sisters because when we talk about Mary and Martha in the Bible, Martha is usually mentioned first. Also, when Jesus went to visit them, the Bible says he went to visit the home of Martha, not Mary. It appears that Martha owned the home and her younger sister Mary lived with her. 

6. Martha was a woman of great faith.

We often give Martha a hard time because of the incident in Luke 10 . But when you compare that story to another mention of Mary and Martha in the Bible, what you see is that Martha had a real gift of hospitality. What we often don’t recognize is that Martha also had great faith and was sure of who Jesus was. Let’s go back to John 11 and I want you to pay attention to this exchange between Martha and Jesus.

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

"Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” – John 11:20-27

Look at all the points of faith and belief Martha speaks. She was confident in Jesus’ ability to heal her brother and even though he was dead she was confident he could raise him from the dead. She fully believed in the resurrection of the dead and the hope of eternal life. Finally, she made a confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. I know Martha gets a lot of grief, but clearly, she was a woman of great faith.

When you think about Mary and Martha, we should acknowledge both of these women for their great faith. They were both committed to the cause of Christ; they were both loved by Jesus, and they were both true believers. These women were friends of Jesus and should be celebrated because clearly, they held a special place in his heart.

Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash

• اللغة العربية

• Messianic Version

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

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

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

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE LESSON

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.

View lesson for other age groups

Translations, want to receive a new lesson every friday.

Enter your details below to receive a  Free printable Bible lesson every Friday to use with your under 5s.

Every lesson includes lesson guides, story, worksheets, colouring pages, craft and more.

Thank so much for signing up. Please confirm your subscription in the email account.

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent lessons

• The Parable of the Persistent Widow
• The Parable of the Persistent Widow – Inclusive Bible Lesson for Kids
• The parable of the sower – Bible lesson for kids

Pin It on Pinterest

John 11:5-11 English Standard Version

5  Now ( A ) Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6  So, when he heard that Lazarus [ a ] was ill, ( B ) he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7  Then after this he said to the disciples, ( C ) “Let us go to Judea again.” 8  The disciples said to him, ( D ) “Rabbi, ( E ) the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9  Jesus answered, ( F ) “Are there not twelve hours in the day? ( G ) If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10  But ( H ) if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not ( I ) in him.” 11  After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus ( J ) has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”

• John 11:6 Greek he ; also verse 17

Cross references

• John 11:5 : ver. 3
• John 11:6 : [ch. 2:4; 7:6, 8]
• John 11:7 : ch. 10:40
• John 11:8 : See ch. 1:38
• John 11:8 : ch. 8:59; 10:31
• John 11:9 : [Luke 13:33]
• John 11:9 : See ch. 9:4; 1 John 2:10
• John 11:10 : Jer. 13:16
• John 11:11 : See Matt. 27:52

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Bible Gateway Recommends