Overview Jesus the Word An Angel Visits Mary Simeon and Anna Flight to Egypt Boy in the Temple Jesus the Word Epiphany John the Baptist The Baptism of Jesus The Lamb of God Tempted Calling the Disciples Wedding at Cana Woman at the Well The Beatitudes Love Your Enemies Do Not Worry Build Your House on the Rock The Man with a Shriveled Hand The Widow of Nain Jesus Calms a Storm The Mustard Seed The Man in the Caves The Man Born Blind Four Friends Mary and Martha The Lord's Prayer Jesus and the Children Transfiguration The Good Samaritan The Parable of the Fig Tree The Danger of Riches The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin The Lost Son The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Ten Men Healed Man Born Blind Lazarus Jesus Talks about God's House Promise of the Holy Spirit The Rich Young Man The Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak Jairus' Daughter The Parable of Talents Sending the Twelve Peter's Faith Feeding the 5000 Share God's Love The Ten Bridesmaids The Wrong People Heal in Jesus' Name James and John Ask for Seats of Honour Sheep and Goats Christ the King Zacchaeus A Woman Washes Jesus' Feet Palm Sunday Jesus Cleanses the Temple Parable of the Vineyard The Wedding Banquet Paying Taxes The Greatest Commandment Be Humble The Sadducees’ Question Jesus the Vine The Empty Tomb Thomas and Jesus The Road to Emmaus The Disciples Fish Again The Great Commission Jesus' Ascension

Bible Texts:

Luke 10:38-42

 

Children's Bible Story sources:

"Mary, Martha, and Lazarus," DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.236

"Mary and Martha," Spark Story Bible, p.366

"Mary and Martha," DK Children's Everyday Bible, p.269

 

Children's Story Resources

Overscheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires

Andrew loves putting on plays so he decides to join the drama club at school. Determined to make his performance the best it can be, he joins the debate club to practice his public speaking. He signs up for dance and karate to help with his coordination. Then he's asked to play for the tennis team and edit the school newspaper. Before long he's learning to play the bagpipes, attending Spanish classes and joining the French film club. Suddenly Andrew doesn't have time for anything or anyone else, not even his best friend Edie. And he definitely doesn't have time to sleep. Will Andrew figure out how to balance all his favorite activities and his best friend at the same time?

How these stories are connected: Martha busies herself with cooking and housework, missing the opportunity to sit at Jesus feet and enjoy his company and teaching. Andrew overschedules himself, hoping his activities will satisfy him. His experience teaches him the same lesson Martha learns from Jesus.

 

Questions about Overscheduled Andrew:

     Why did Andrew join all of those clubs? What happened when he did?

     Why do you think Edie took care of him?

     Why do you think Andrew stopped all of his activities?

     Why do you think he kept drama and French movies?

 

Questions about the Bible story:

     Why was Martha working so hard?

     Why did she get so angry?

     What do you think Jesus really wanted her to do?

     What did she do finally? Why?

 

Questions about our lives: 

     What happens when you try to do too many things?

     How do you feel and what can you do about that?

     How do you think Jesus wants us to spend our time?

 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, teach us to love and care for people. Help us to spend our time wisely and to give our time to the things that are most important. Amen.