A Children’s Sermon on Luke 10:38-42 — Mary and Martha

Preface for Pastors and Parents

Here, just in time, is my brand new children’s sermon on Luke 10:38-42. As I say in my Monday Meditation on this text from some time back, the main way this passage has been interpreted for many centuries was about different ways of life–very different kinds of discipleship.

Martha was taken to represent “the active life,” which is what most of us are called to. You know: spouses and parents, people who have jobs in the world, people who live out their faith in practical love within society.

Mary was taken to represent “the contemplative life,” meaning the special calling of a few to lives of prayer. Usually they lived out their days in monasteries and convents. They often still saw their lives as being of loving service to others, but it was showing love by praying for others, and for all the world God loves so much.

So we have tended to look at this passage as two examples applicable to us all. We all need to love God by loving neighbors in practical ways, like Martha. But we all really do need to do like Mary, and sit at Jesus’ feet and learn. That’s the disciple’s calling too. 

And that’s probably a more accessible message for kids who are not likely at the point of thinking about a life of contemplative prayer. So that’s where I go in my children’s sermon on Luke 10:38-42.

A Children’s Sermon on Luke 10:38-42

Good morning, kids! I am so glad to see you this morning. Thanks for coming to worship. And thanks especially for coming up to hear the children’s sermon.

Hungry Disciples

One day Jesus was out with his twelve very good friends. It had been a busy day. Jesus had taught people about the Kingdom of God. Jesus had healed people who were sick. Jesus had answered questions—and he’d asked a lot of questions of his own. 

The twelve friends had been helping out every way they could. But now it was evening. Now they were hungry.

“Jesus,” said Peter. “Do you think you could maybe make us some more of that miracle bread? Like when you fed 5000 people? Our tummies are rumbling.”

“No need for miracle bread!” Jesus said. “That town up ahead is Bethany. That’s where my friends Mary and Martha live. I’m sure we can eat at their place.” 

“Um, Jesus?” said Peter. “Are you sure it’s okay? I mean, there are thirteen of us all together, and they don’t know we’re coming.” 

“It’ll be fine!” said Jesus. “Mary and Martha love me! They said I could come by any time.”

At Mary and Martha’s Door

When they got to Mary and Martha’s house Jesus knocked on the door.

Martha opened it up and when she saw Jesus her face lit up in a huge smile. She gave Jesus a big hug.

“Surprise!” Jesus said with a grin. “We came for dinner!”

Before Martha could say anything, Peter stepped forward and said, “Hi Martha! I’m Peter. Remember me? Well, we don’t want to intrude. I mean there are thirteen of us. It’s kind of a lot, really. And we didn’t tell you we were coming. I’m sure we can find dinner somewhere else if it’s too much trou—” 

But Martha interrupted him. “Nonsense, Peter! I love Jesus. I told him to come by any time. And I love cooking dinner for people. Why don’t you all come in and relax. Mary and I will get dinner started.”

And she went back inside calling “Mary! Mary! Guess what? Jesus is here!”

Inside the House

They were just sitting down in the living room when Mary ran. She had a huge smile on her face. She gave Jesus a big hug.

“I can’t believe you’re here! In our house!” she said. “I have so many questions I’ve been wanting to ask you about.” 

So she sat at Jesus’ feet. She asked questions, and listened to Jesus’ answers. All the other disciples sat there too, asking other questions, and listening to Jesus’ answers. 

While they talked, there were a lot of sounds coming from the kitchen. Martha was working on dinner. There were chopping sounds as she cut up vegetables. There were sizzling sounds, as she fried things in a hot pan. There were banging and clanging sounds as pans and bowls were hurried around. 

Eventually, Martha came rushing out to the dining room with plates and things. She glanced out to where Jesus and the others were sitting. She saw her sister, Mary.

An Argument

“Mary!” she yelled. “What are you doing out here! You’re supposed to be helping me!”

“I’m listening to Jesus!” Mary said. But she got up quickly, and came over to Martha. “Be quiet!” Mary said, “You’re interrupting Jesus! He’s trying to teach us. You’re not being respectful!”

“You’re not being respectful!” said Martha. “You should show some respect by helping me make dinner!”

“But I love Jesus!” said Mary. “He’s never come to our house before. I love him so much I want to be close to him, and listen to everything he says.”

“Well,” said Martha, “I love Jesus so much I’m making him a really nice dinner—and for twelve of his friends! It’s a lot of work!”

“Well,” said Mary, “I guess I just love Jesus more than you do. If you loved Jesus as much as I do you’d stop your fussing and pay attention to him!” 

“Well,” said Martha, “if you really loved Jesus you’d do something nice for him like making him dinner! I guess I love Jesus more than you do!”

“No!” said Mary, “I love Jesus more!” 

“No!” said Martha, “I love Jesus more!”

Ways of Loving

Right then Jesus came over and asked, “What’s wrong, my friends?”

Mary said, “I was trying to explain to Martha that I’m sitting and listening to you because I love you.”

Then Martha said, “And I was trying to explain to Mary that I’m making dinner for you because I love you—more than she does, actually.”

“Oh, my friends,” said Jesus, with a sad look in his big brown eyes. “I don’t want you to fight about who loves me more. You each have your own way of showing your love.”

But Martha said, “Don’t you care that she’s making me do all the work? Tell her to help me.” 

“Martha, My friend,” said Jesus, “I can see you’re getting pulled in all directions. But in the long run I do want everybody to listen and learn. I won’t take that away from Mary.”

“But could somebody help me?” pleaded Martha. “Dinner’s almost ready and I only have two hands!”

So a couple of the other disciples got up and helped Martha. And they all had a wonderful dinner.

Wondering

I wonder if you’ve ever shown your love for someone by making something special for them?

I wonder if you’ve ever shown your love for someone by spending time with them and paying attention?

I wonder how you might show love for Jesus?

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