Following Jesus · Part 16 of 40 · 2 min
Mary Listens to Jesus
Jesus came to a village, and Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister Mary was there too.
Martha began preparing what their guest needed. There was much to do, and she wanted everything to be ready.
Martha carried the things for the meal.
Mary sat near Jesus and listened to what he was teaching. His words mattered deeply to her.
Soon Martha felt upset. She asked Jesus whether he cared that she was doing the work alone. Would he tell Mary to help?
Jesus answered with care. Martha was worried about many things, but something more important needed her attention.
Mary had chosen to listen, and Jesus would not take that opportunity away from her.
The room became a place to hear his words.
Jesus appreciated helpful work. He also wanted Martha to have the peace of spending time with him, instead of letting her worries fill the whole visit.
Sometimes we are so busy preparing that we forget the person we are preparing for.
We can help with a task and still pause to listen. Love is more than making everything perfect. It also makes time for people.
Retelling of Luke 10:38–42.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 58. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Listening
- Care
A verse to remember
“let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”
James 1:19 · excerptNKJV
- What was Mary doing while Martha prepared for the visit?
- Why do you think Martha felt worried and upset?
- How can we help at home and still make time to listen?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
A Pause to Listen
Tidy two or three objects together. Then pause for a minute while each person shares something about their day without interruptions. Talk about how working together and listening can both be ways of caring for someone.
Try it today: We can share the work and pause to listen to people we love.
More stories with these values
Guess the sounds
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
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