Choosing What Matters Most

Luke 10:38-42

The Big Idea

Serving others matters, and so does stopping to listen to Jesus. Ask God to help you notice what is most important.

The Bible Story

Jesus Visits Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42 tells how Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. While Martha served, her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching. Martha felt concerned about serving alone and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus addressed Martha by name, saying that she was worried and troubled about many things, but one thing was necessary. He said Mary had chosen the good portion, which would not be taken away from her. This passage highlights Mary’s attentive priority in that moment. It does not mean that practical service or hospitality is always wrong, and Martha should not be treated as a bad person. Both sisters are presented fairly: Martha welcomes and serves, while Mary listens to Jesus.

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 speaks to Martha about being worried and troubled about many things and about one thing being necessary. Mary sits attentively at Jesus’ feet, while Martha pauses to listen.

Talk together

Talk about it

What was Mary choosing to do?
How can you listen to Jesus today?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to help children discuss priorities, listening, hospitality, and concern without unfairly labeling either sister. Invite them to consider times when serving is helpful and times when they need to pause and listen. Keep the focus on Jesus’ answer in this moment, not on condemning service.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 10:41-42 · Mary and Martha

Jesus speaks to Martha about being worried and troubled about many things and about one thing being necessary. Mary sits attentively at Jesus’ feet, while Martha pauses to listen.