Print this Lesson Mary and Martha
Luke 10:39-42 and John 11:17-35
Martha:
My name is Martha and I live with my sister Martha and my brother Lazarus, in the small village of Bethany, near the large city of Jerusalem. I enjoy cooking and housekeeping. We often have unexpected guest to drop by and I like to make them comfortable so that they will feel welcome in our home.

Mary:
I am Mary and I am very different from my sister, Martha. When Jesus came to our home, I sat before him, hanging on every word he said. I felt that it was important for me to hear everything that Jesus had to say.

Martha:
I wanted everything to be perfect for Jesus and for him to feel welcome, so I knew that if I didn't continue to work in the kitchen preparing our meal, that everyone would go hungry. I really needed Mary to help me, because there was so much to do. I interrupted Jesus as he was talking and said, "Jesus, don't you care that my sister has left me in the kitchen to do all the work alone? Tell her to lend me a hand." I only wanted the meal to be extra special for him.

Mary:
When Martha came in and interrupted Jesus while he was talking, Jesus told her, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is important, and Mary has chosen it-it's the main course, and she wants to be here to hear what I have to say.

Martha:
Until Jesus spoke those words to me I did not realize that showing hospitality to visitors in our home may be important but listening to Jesus, learning about God's will, taking time to talk to God in prayer and serving God is the most important thing! By doing this we can receive our reward in Heaven.

Mary:
Our story comes to us from the book of Luke in the Bible. Now we want to ask you some questions about us. (Please prepare several questions for the boys and girls to answer).