Mary & Martha

Mary and Martha by Jennifer Tolbert

Jesus came to Earth to teach us how to live in a way that pleases God. He modeled the attitude, priorities, and spirit He wants us to have. In this story, Jesus teaches two sisters (and us!) about priorities, or what is most important in our life. 

Key Themes:
1. Live like Jesus-gentle, humble, and kind. 
2. A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing! 
​3. Do not worry. 

Memory Verse

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:45

Songs

Books of the New Testament
Above All Else
I'm Happy Today
It Isn't Any Trouble
Lord, My Desire
Love is Something if You Give It Away
​Jesus is My Best Friend

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Big things first
​This activity is a fun experiment and important lesson that teaches us about priorities. Practice ahead of time, so you have the correct quantities when doing the activity with your child.
You will need, big rocks, pebbles, sand, water, and a jar. First ask your child to fit the items into the jar, smallest to largest. The jar should be too full to fill in all the rocks.
Next repeat the activity with largest items first until everything fits.  Speak about how we must put God first in our lives. (from TruewayKids.org)

2. Cleaning Time
Bring simple cleaning tools that young kids could use (or toy brooms, vacuum, etc.  if more appropriate) and simple snack (check for allergies) with paper plates and a paper tablecloth. You could bring a swiffer, broom, duster, wipes, window cleaner, etc.
SAY: Today, we are going to have a special meal in our class. It is going to be a banquet. I need your help to clean up the classroom and set the table.

Assign the children jobs, and spend 5-10 minutes getting ready for the banquet. 

When the table is spread, then SAY: Today, we are talking about two sisters who were getting ready for a special meal with Jesus. Their names were Mary and Martha. Let's read about what happened. 

3. Sibling Rivalry
ASK: Do you ever have a disagreement with your brother or sister? What are some things you fight about? (For older kids, you could also ask about sharing chores or responsibilities.) How does it make you feel when you disagree? How does it make you feel when your brother or sister will not help you? Today, our friend Martha felt a lot of those same feelings! 

Story: Jesus came to Earth to show us how to live in a way that pleased God. Some people did not like what he said. Others didn't quite understand it.

I think that is what happened with our friend Martha in today's story. She loved Jesus and wanted to please him! But, she let her priorities get a little mixed up! 

READ the story of  Jesus, Mary and Busy Martha OR read Luke 10:38-42.  

EMPHASIZE that:

• Jesus is the example of how we should live. 
• A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. 
• Jesus loves us and wants us to love others. 

Visual Aids

Printable Booklet: Mary and Martha from TruewayKids

Video: Mary and Martha from FreeBibleImages.com

Video: Mary and Martha from Lumos

Video: Mary and Martha from God's Story

Video: Mary and Martha from Saddleback Kids

God is...

Connect the story back to God sand his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story. ​

Activities

Keep Jesus First in Your Heart Craft from Oriental Trading

Make Your Own Watch from Trueway Kids
Supplies: Template, Colors, Scissors, Glue, Fastener (Brad) 

Put Jesus First Door Hanger from Kids Bible Lessons.com
Supplies: Colors, Scissors, Glue or Tape, Construction Paper, Stickers or other decorative items, Pipe Cleaner OR Ribbon/String

"Take Time for Jesus Clock" 
Construction Paper, Paper Plates, Brads, Glue or tape, String or Pipe Cleaner, Scissors, Decorative Elements, Colors