Mary and Martha - Luke 10:38-42

Idea 1

Read the story for the kids

  • Hand out this story to the kids

  • Read through the story together.  

  • Let the kids colour in the page as you go around and ask individual questions

  • Who were Mary, Martha and Lazarus?  

  • What did Martha do?

  • What did Mary do?

  • Why was Martha mad at Mary?  

  • What is the most important thing?

Idea 2

Play what is the better thing to do with the kids.

  • Put up two signs on opposite walls -  Have one sign say “good”, and the other sign say “better”.

  • Tell the kids that you are going to give them various situations and they can run to whatever sign they think it better. 

  • Playing video games all day or doing your homework then playing outside.  

  • Do your chores or complain about doing chores.

  • Quickly walk your dog then go home and play or take your dog on a long walk.

  • Talk to your grandma on the phone for a long time, or quickly say hi, then go play on your ipad.

  • Clean up the kitchen or listen to Jesus.

Idea 3

Read Luke 10:38-43 in the bible.

  • Ask the kids the following questions.  

  • Is there anything you liked about the story?

  • Who are Mary and Martha?

  • What was Mary doing?

  • What was Martha doing?

  • Why was Martha upset with Mary?

  • What is the most important thing?

Idea 4

Have a discussion with the kids.  Ask them the following questions 

  • What would you do if Jesus was coming over to your house?

  • What can we all do to spend more time with Jesus?

  • How can we love God with all our hearts?  

Idea 5

True or False questions

  • Mary and Martha were next door neighbours. (false)

  • Mary and Martha were good friends with Jesus. (true)

  • Jesus came over to Mary and Martha’s house.  (true)

  • Mary got mad at Martha because they both wanted to make Jesus a special cake. (false)

  • Martha got mad at Mary because she was sitting listening to Jesus.  (true)

  • The most important thing is to love God with all our hearts. (true)

Idea 6

Listen to Jesus

  • Ask all the kids to find a quiet place in the room.  

  • Ask them to close their eyes and ask Jesus to speak to them.

  • Let them listen to Jesus.

  • Ask the kids to come back and see what they heard.  

Idea 7

Read The Best Thing to Do by Steph Williams.

  • Have a discussion with the kids about listening to God and how that is the best thing to do.

Please click on the links below for full lessons

Kindergarten

Grades 1,2,3

Grades 4,5