38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.
39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.
40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;
42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.
40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;
42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Biblical scholar Warren Carter wrote an article on this text entitled Getting Martha Out of the Kitchen. The article is great! But the title is absolutely awesome!! Most of us who are familiar with this story have probably been taught that Martha is out in the kitchen making soup for the men-folk, while Mary sits adoringly at Jesus’ feet. This story has many interpretations, and we will probably never know exactly what Luke intended when he wrote it, nor Jesus’ motivation for chastising Martha. But what a great story it is on so many levels. In the video, Pastors Joanne and Doug share some of their thoughts on this story. And below are some questions to help you think more about Mary and Martha – who they are and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Discussion Questions
- What has your experience been with this story? What interpretations have you heard? What is your impression now?
- Which sister are you most like? Or is it possible you may identify with both Mary and Martha?
- What is your reaction to Jesus in this story? What would you like to say to him?
- How do you see this story reflecting gender roles within the Church?
Please share your thoughts about this lesson and any of the discussion questions in the box below.