Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.7 — Martha and Mary
5.7 — Martha and Mary: In a busy world, Jesus reminds His followers to make time for what matters most.
5.7 — Martha and Mary
Choosing What Matters Most
Jesus often taught large crowds.
He preached in synagogues.
He taught along roadsides and hillsides.
But some of His most important lessons took place inside ordinary homes.
One such lesson occurred in the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary.
Both women loved Jesus.
Both welcomed Him into their lives.
Both wanted to honor Him.
Yet they responded to His visit in very different ways.
Martha focused on serving.
Mary focused on listening.
Neither activity was wrong.
But Jesus used the moment to teach an important lesson about priorities.
In a busy world filled with responsibilities, believers must remember that time spent with Jesus is never wasted.
Scripture References
Luke 10:38–42
Psalm 46:10
John 11:1–44
John 12:1–8
Philippians 4:6–7
The Story
As Jesus traveled with His disciples, He entered a village where Martha welcomed Him into her home.
Martha immediately became busy with preparations and hospitality.
There were meals to prepare.
Guests to care for.
Responsibilities to manage.
Meanwhile, her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching.
As Martha worked, frustration began to build.
Eventually she approached Jesus and said:
“Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?”
Martha wanted Jesus to tell Mary to help.
Instead, Jesus gently responded:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary.”
Jesus explained that Mary had chosen the better portion.
She was focusing on what mattered most in that moment.
Understanding the Story
Was Martha Doing Something Wrong?
No.
Hospitality was highly valued in Jewish culture.
Preparing food and caring for guests were important responsibilities.
The problem was not Martha’s service.
The problem was that her service had become a distraction from being with Jesus.
Why Was Mary Sitting at Jesus’ Feet?
Sitting at a teacher’s feet was the position of a disciple.
Mary was learning from Jesus.
Her posture demonstrated humility, attentiveness, and a desire to grow spiritually.
Why Did Martha Become Frustrated?
Martha felt overwhelmed.
Many people can relate to her situation.
Responsibilities, expectations, and busyness can easily create stress and resentment.
Jesus addressed her anxious heart rather than her workload.
Understanding Jesus
Women as Disciples
In the first century, formal religious instruction was often associated with men.
Jesus welcomed women as disciples and learners.
Mary’s position at His feet demonstrates the value Jesus placed on spiritual growth for all people.
What Does “The Better Portion” Mean?
Jesus was not criticizing service.
He was teaching that relationship with God must come before activity for God.
Service is important.
Worship, learning, and time with Christ are essential.
Why Does Jesus Repeat Martha’s Name?
The repetition reflects tenderness and compassion.
Jesus was not rebuking Martha harshly.
He was lovingly addressing her concerns and anxieties.
Understanding Jesus: Hospitality in the Ancient World
Hospitality was a sacred responsibility in biblical times.
Travelers depended upon the generosity of others for food, shelter, and protection.
Martha’s desire to care for Jesus was honorable.
The lesson is not a choice between serving and loving Jesus.
The lesson is about keeping spiritual priorities in proper order.
Service flows best from a heart that first spends time with God.
Old Testament Connections
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to both worship and serve.
Moses spent time in God’s presence before leading Israel.
David sought God through prayer and worship.
The prophets repeatedly reminded people that outward activity means little without a genuine relationship with God.
Jesus continues this theme by teaching that spiritual attentiveness must come before spiritual activity.
Missing Context Check
Does Jesus Value Mary More Than Martha?
No.
Jesus loved both sisters.
In fact, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus became some of His closest friends.
The lesson is not about choosing one sister over the other.
It is about priorities.
Is Service Unimportant?
Not at all.
Jesus repeatedly taught His followers to serve others.
The issue is allowing service to replace time spent with God.
Must Believers Choose Between Worship and Service?
No.
Healthy discipleship includes both.
Mary reminds believers to spend time with Jesus.
Martha reminds believers to serve faithfully.
The goal is balance.
A Deeper Look: Busy for Jesus or With Jesus?
One of the greatest dangers in spiritual life is becoming so busy doing things for God that we neglect spending time with Him.
Church activities.
Ministry projects.
Volunteer work.
Family responsibilities.
All are important.
Yet Jesus reminds His followers that being with Him comes first.
The strength for service grows out of relationship.
This lesson connects closely to:
Related Lessons
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
5.5 Forgiveness and Mercy
5.6 The Good Samaritan
5.8 The Rich Young Ruler
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.9 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Key Themes
Time With Jesus Matters
Spiritual growth begins with relationship.
Service Is Important
But service should flow from devotion.
Worry Can Distract
Anxiety often pulls attention away from what matters most.
Discipleship Requires Listening
Followers of Jesus learn by spending time in His presence.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern life is filled with distractions.
Schedules become crowded.
Responsibilities increase.
Many believers struggle with the same challenge Martha faced.
This story reminds Christians that spiritual growth requires intentional time with God.
It encourages believers to slow down, listen, pray, and focus on Christ.
The lesson is especially relevant in a culture that often values productivity more than presence.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Teacher.
The Friend.
The Compassionate Savior.
The One who invites people into relationship before activity.
Jesus desires more than service.
He desires fellowship with His followers.
Living the Message
This week, spend a few minutes each day reading Scripture and praying before beginning other responsibilities.
Ask God to reveal areas where busyness may be crowding out time with Him.
Look for ways to balance service and spiritual growth.
Remember that sitting with Jesus is never wasted time.
Reflection Questions
Why was Martha frustrated?
Possible answers:
She felt overwhelmed by responsibilities and wanted Mary’s help.
Why was Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet?
Possible answers:
She was learning from Him as a disciple.
What does “the better portion” mean?
Possible answers:
Prioritizing time with Jesus above temporary concerns.
Is Jesus criticizing service?
Possible answers:
No. He is teaching proper priorities.
What can believers learn from Martha and Mary?
Possible answers:
Service and devotion are both important, but relationship with Christ comes first.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet while Martha became distracted by many responsibilities.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus teaches that spiritual growth begins with spending time in His presence.
Obedience in Action
Set aside intentional time for prayer and Scripture this week.
Walk It Out
Evaluate your schedule and identify one way to prioritize your relationship with Christ.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.8 The Rich Young Ruler
You may also revisit:
Martha was busy serving.
Mary was busy listening.
Jesus reminded both sisters—and every believer since—that time spent with Him is the foundation for everything else.
