During the lesson, the information for you to know is written in regular type, and what we suggest speaking or reading aloud to children is in bold. All resources for this lesson, including the Teacher Guide, Student Page, Family Connection Card, and other resources can be downloaded in a ZIP file by clicking on the following link:
In some lessons you will find "resource articles." These are articles written by experts from around the world to help equip you for your work with children and adolescents. Share them with parents or guardians if you consider it appropriate.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
When Jesus and His disciples came to a village called Bethany, they entered the home of 2 sisters, Martha and Mary. In this culture, it was unusual for a woman to sit and listen to religious teachers with the men. Mary, however, sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to every word He spoke. But Martha was busy with preparations for the meal. She missed out on the better thing—spending time with Jesus.
What things distract you from spending time with Jesus and listening to His words? If possible, make a list. What are some specific things you can do this week to intentionally listen to Jesus? Set aside time every day this week to sit at Jesus’ feet. Be still and listen to His words as you read your Bible and pray.
Tell families that this week their children will learn about listening to Jesus. Encourage families to ask their children: what did the story show you about Jesus?
Teacher Tip: If possible, email or text the Family Connection Card to the families of your students.
Today we will start with a fun game. First we need to learn a wonderful Bible verse.
Read Luke 11:28 from your Bible if possible.
If you are using the Memory Verse Poster, show it to the students.
Blessed are those who hear God’s word and obey it.
Luke 11:28, NIrV
Read the verse 2 times. Ask the children to say it with you a few times.
Now let’s play a game about listening and obeying.
Introduce the game, which the children have played in earlier lessons. Explain that you are the leader. You will give a command that the children will follow. If you say, “The leader says” before the statement, the children should obey your command. If you do not say, “The leader says” before the statement, children should not obey your command. Say the statements quickly so that the children will have to react quickly. Any children who do something when you did not say, “The leader says” must sit down and wait quietly until the end of the game. The last child standing is the winner. Play for about 5 minutes. If you have time to play again, let the winner be the new leader.
Here are some statements you can say:
It was hard to listen and obey quickly during our game! Today we will hear a story about 2 sisters who were friends of Jesus. Let’s listen to this story to see how these sisters responded
to Jesus.
Optional: If possible, share the image from The Action Bible.
Place a chair or mat at the front. It should remain empty.
Tell the following Bible story with a lot of expression. There are suggestions to help you do this, but feel free to add your own gestures, facial expressions, and voice inflections.
Listen carefully to the Bible story. I will ask you to retell it later. One day, Jesus and His disciples came to a village called Bethany.
Pretend you are walking along a road.
A woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Martha had a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what He said.
Sit on the ground in front of the chair or mat and pretend you are listening to Jesus.
But Martha was busy with the preparations for her visitors.
Move to a spot several meters away. Pretend to cook, clean, or do other household tasks.
Speak these words in an angry, frustrated tone.
Martha came to Jesus and said, “My sister has left me to do all the work by myself. Do you not care? Tell my sister Mary to help me!”
Speak these words in a kind, loving tone.
Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha. You are upset and worried about many things. Only 1 thing is needed. Mary had chosen the best thing. It will not be taken away from her.”
This is where today’s story ends.
Divide your children into pairs. Have them take turns retelling the story to their partner. Encourage them to use physical gestures and a lot of expression. After 10 minutes, gather the class back together.
Martha complained to Jesus that she was doing all the work. How do you think Martha wanted Jesus to respond? How did Jesus respond?
Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the best thing. What do you think is the
“best thing”?
Doing things for Jesus is not bad. However, the Bible tells us that Martha was distracted and worried by everything she needed to do. We do not know for sure, but she was probably preparing a meal or cleaning the house. Martha was doing important things, but what Mary chose to do was the most important of all. Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. She wanted to be with Jesus. She wanted to learn from Him. Mary wanted to have a relationship with Jesus.
It is good to do things for God, but it is more important to spend time with Jesus and learn from His Word.
Share these ideas if the children need help thinking of things: talking and listening to God in prayer, reading the Bible, praising God by singing songs, saying Bible verses, talking with others about God.
Let’s spend time now doing the “best thing” just as Mary did. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is with us today! Let’s imagine Him sitting in the room with us.
Show the children the empty chair or mat. Have them imagine that Jesus is sitting in that chair, just as He sat in Martha and Mary’s home. Explain that you will read some of Jesus’ words from the Bible. When the children hear words that they feel God is speaking to them, they should silently make “heart” shapes with their fingers on their chest.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Have the children tell their neighbours which verse spoke to them the most.
Optional: If you are using Student Pages, there is space for children to respond on them.
Close class by praying this blessing over the children:
Blessing: May you, like Mary, choose the most important thing. May you push aside distractions and spend time listening to Jesus!
Lead the children in singing this quarter’s song, if possible.
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