Each Tuesday we bring you a devotional to delve deeper into The Word. Today, we have a devotional for the whole family to share. More family devotions to help grow your child’s faith are available in Ruth Graham’s Step Into the Bible (2007, 2011, Zonderkidz).

Get to Work . . . or Listen?

Jesus visited some friends who lived in a town called Bethany. His friends were sisters named Mary and Martha. They also had a brother named Lazarus.

When Jesus came to their house, Mary stopped what she was doing to sit near Jesus to listen to what He was saying. Perhaps He was telling her about how their sins could be forgiven and how she would go to heaven when she died.

But Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing the meal. It might have been hot. She was probably tired. How could she get it all done? She had cleaned the house and was busy trying to make her guests feel at home.

Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to get busy and help with the housework. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.” It was more important for Mary to learn what He had to say and the things He taught than to be busy doing other things.

Parent Note: Priorities are an important lesson, but perhaps more for us as parents than for children. They should be one of our priorities. Raising children is very hard work in our society. It is a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. In Mark 9:37, Jesus said, “Whosoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”

Questions

• When Jesus came to the house, what did Mary do?
• Why did she want to listen to Jesus?
• How did this make Martha feel?
• What did Martha ask Jesus to tell Mary?
• What did Jesus tell Martha?
• Is it easier for you to play with your toys or listen to what your parents tell you to do?

Memory Verse