While lighting a candle to remind you of God’s Presence, have someone read the candle prayer.
Over the last few months at Cap our Teaching Collective has been gathering monthly to study scripture and help one another prepare to share in the teaching time. We have welcomed three people to teach on our Luke series at All Church, and Jim Neudorf has provided teaching content for Small Church. This week, we are grateful that Jim is sharing his gifts with us once again through providing today’s discussion guide for Small Church.
Thank you Jim for guiding us through the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10: 38-42.
For our time together we will be focusing on Luke 10:38-42. Let’s use the metaphor of a conversation to guide us. A dialogue between us and the story. Out of respect for the text, we will give the text the first opportunity to speak by listening to it three times.
During the first reading, you’re invited to simply listen for the movement of the text. As we begin, we ask God to bring her Word to life in you and for you and through you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
First reading Luke 10:38-42
Pause
As you hear the passage a second time, listen for a word or a phrase that seems to choose you, something that comes into bolder print than the rest.
Second reading Luke 10:38-42
Pause
Third reading Luke 10:38-42
Take a moment to have a conversation with God about anything that is stirring in you as you hold the highlighted word or phrase. Perhaps our conversations during our time together will add more to this word or phrase.
Pause
Continuing our conversation, we will ask some questions of the text.
Below the text is divided up into smaller sections, with discussion questions for the whole group (in bold), along with some background information to help fill in gaps to aid the discussion.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
Can you think of another example of a woman asking Jesus into her house?
The stories of Jesus entering a home are when he is invited by Pharisees, religious or synagogue leaders, who are male and the “head of the house”. Here he is invited by a woman. There is no mention of a husband so we assume she was single.
This is Martha’s initiative, what do you think is the motivation for her invitation?
Is this simply middle eastern hospitality or could there be something else going on here? Is she a socialite collecting prestigious names in her guest book? Is she simply drawn to want to connect with Jesus?
39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
What might Martha and Mary be feeling in this context?
With these first two verses, Martha and Mary have crossed religious and cultural gender boundaries. Women’s religious life was within the home whereas men’s religious life was in the public sphere (Judaism p.113). Rabbis had determined that a formal religious congregation required a minimum of 10 men, women were not counted (Judaism p. 32). In the temple in Jerusalem, there were four courtyards. The outermost was the Court of the Gentiles and anyone could be in this courtyard. The next courtyard was the Court of the Women, so named because women could go no further than this courtyard. The third courtyard was the Court of Israel for Jewish men only and finally, surrounding the temple building itself was the Priest’s Courtyard. In this culture, single Martha invites a rabbi into her home. That would have the village whispering. This is also a culture that considers marriage a sacred duty in obedience to God’s first commandment in Genesis, “be fruitful and multiply.” There are multiple stigmas: unmarried, no children and getting involved in the male religious domain. Then we hear that Mary is listening to Jesus’ teaching with the male disciples.
What might Martha and Mary be feeling in light of Jesus accepting their boundary crossing?
Over the past several months we have been looking at reversals in the gospel of Luke. In these two verses, there is an upending. Jesus does not differentiate by gender or criteria in use. Paul speaks to this also in Ephesians 2:11-19. “… who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” [ referencing the wall that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the other temple courts]. In Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Can you think of invisible boundaries that people might feel in our time and culture?
Then verse 40 starts with “but” a signal that something is coming:
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
What might Martha be experiencing in this verse?
Maybe what was intended to be a small gathering with Jesus suddenly grew due to a large entourage and neighbours suddenly showing up.
With Martha, the steward of the village, is the identity of the perfect hostess one that needs to be maintained?
Did you notice the manipulation that Martha uses to try and get Mary’s help? It is called “triangling.” It is a system of dysfunctional communication that can exist in relationships. Rather than communicate directly, the person uses a third party to pressure, manipulate, a behaviour. This is likely a pattern between the two sisters and here it gets exposed. Jesus does not get drawn into the attempt to triangle and manipulate Mary.
In the final verses of the story, Jesus reframes things for Martha:
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
How would you respond?
In his answer to Martha, do you hear echoes of Jesus’ first temptation? “One shall not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of Yahweh” (Deut 8:3).
This where the story stops and our conversation with the text leaves us asking what happens next, how did Martha respond? In response to our questions however perhaps the text asks us “what would you do?”
Going back to the start of our conversation with the story, would anyone be willing to talk about the word or phrase that was highlighted for them and what it suggested?
After going through this conversation with the text are there any new layers to that word or phrase for you?
For the rest of our series in Luke, Communion is an optional practice during Small Church.
The communion table reminds us of the “great reversal’ where the hungry are fed, the sick and hurting are healed, and sinners forgiven. If, as Brian Zahnd says, “grace runs downhill”, then this table is at the bottom of the hill.
With some bread and some juice, serve each other the body and blood of Christ as a sign of the good news we share in Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42 : Mary and Martha
After some time in Galilee, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Samaria and then toward Jerusalem. Crowds continued to gather wherever Jesus went.
Jesus came to the town of Bethany where his friends Martha and Mary lived. Martha invited him into their home. Martha’s sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as he talked, just like his other disciples did.
Martha worked and worked while Mary and Jesus talked. After a while, Martha came to Jesus and said, “Don’t you care that my sister has left me with all the work? Tell her to help me.”
But Jesus said, “Martha, you are worried and busy with so many things. Only one thing is needed right now. Mary has chosen what matters most. It won’t be taken away from her.”
1. I wonder what Jesus and Mary talked about?
2. What jobs need to be done at your home? Who helps?
3. Martha was frustrated with her sister. This happens a lot in families. What can you do when you are upset at someone in your family?
4. What’s something in your life that distracts you from important things? What could change to help make it less of a distraction?
Mindful Moment:
Make yourself a cup of something Hot and Cozy. Sip and notice the way it warms your body from the inside out.
Wrap one hand around the mug and observe how it feels different from your other hand. Now wrap your warmed hand around your other hand and see how that feels. Put your face close to the mug. How does the steam feel on your face and up your nose?
As you enjoy your warm drink, think back over your day and search for God. Were there any moments when you felt alone? Were there any moments when you noticed God’s goodness? What do you think tomorrow will hold?
For Preschool
“This playful yet powerful picture book reminds us to be present, to be mindful, and to appreciate each moment.”
This story is incredibly relatable for both kids and parents -after all, aren’t we often rushing to the next thing? It mirrors what Martha may have been feeling: the pressure to keep doing and getting everything done. But perhaps God is inviting us to slow down, to let go of what seems urgent, and to make space to notice and receive His love and presence. This book is a beautiful reminder to pause, be still, and live in the moment.
Recommended for Ages 2-6
For Elementary
“Straw has always had a great thirst for being first, slurping up anything in sight and rushing straight to the finish in every situation. But when his speedy streak gets the best of him, it takes a friend to show Straw how to take his time and drink in the amazing world around him.”
This book beautifully reinforces the message of slowing down and paying attention, but does so with humor and playfulness that make it a fantastic read-aloud. It’s especially relatable for kids who lean toward perfectionism or competitiveness, offering a gentle and engaging reminder to pause and enjoy the moment.
Recommended for Age 4-8
For Preschool
In the book Today, we journey with a young child as they navigate the big emotions that come with being present in the moment. Sometimes we wish time would speed up, slow down, or even stop altogether. Becoming aware of the present can bring a mix of feelings, and this book captures that beautifully and honestly.
As you read, consider following up with some wonder questions for your kids: How do they relate to the child in the story? What do they feel when time seems to move slowly—or too fast?
Recommended for Age 4-7
