Jesus Speaks Kindly to Martha

Luke 10:38-42

The Big Idea

Jesus cares about our worries and helps us notice what matters most. Serving can be good, and listening to Jesus matters too.

The Bible Story

Jesus Visits Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42 tells of Jesus entering a village and being welcomed into Martha’s home. Martha serves while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to Jesus’ word. Martha asks Jesus whether he cares that Mary has left her to serve alone and asks him to tell Mary to help. Jesus answers Martha by name, saying that she is worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. He says that Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. The passage presents Martha’s welcome and service as part of the scene, while highlighting Mary’s attentive choice in that moment. It does not condemn practical service or make Martha morally inferior. Christians may understand this passage as an invitation to notice when worry and many concerns distract us from listening to Jesus, while still treating service and hospitality with respect.

Themes

Avoiding unfair stereotypes about service or listening Concern and distraction Listening to Jesus Priorities Service and hospitality

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus addresses Martha by name and responds to her concern while Mary listens nearby. The scene should emphasize a calm, meaningful conversation in the home.

Talk together

Talk about it

What concern did Martha bring to Jesus?
What did Mary choose to do?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Read Luke 10:38-42 aloud, then invite children to compare Martha’s serving and Mary’s listening without calling either sister bad. Help them name times when worry distracts them and consider one quiet way to listen to Jesus. Emphasize kindness toward people who serve and people who listen.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 10:41-42 · Mary and Martha

Jesus addresses Martha by name and responds to her concern while Mary listens nearby. The scene should emphasize a calm, meaningful conversation in the home.