Bible Study 5: Mary & Martha (Luke 10:38–42)
Pray:
Take a moment to be quiet and ask God to speak to you today.
💬 Question 1 — Setting the Scene
Martha invited Jesus into her home — that’s a big deal.
  • What does this show about her?
  • What might it have cost her (time, energy, stress, food, etc.)?
👉 Think about it: Martha really cared about Jesus — she wanted to serve Him well.
💬 Question 2 — Two Sisters, Two Responses
Mary sits and listens. Martha gets busy and distracted.
  • Why do you think they responded so differently?
  • Which one are you more like — Mary or Martha?
👉 Be honest: Do you find it easier to do things or to slow down and listen?
💬 Question 3 — The Danger of Distraction
Martha wasn’t doing anything bad — she was serving!
  • What things distract us from God today? (e.g. phone, sport, school, social media, gaming)
  • Can good things still distract us from God?
👉 Key idea: You can be busy doing good things… and still miss time with Jesus.
💬 Question 4 — Martha’s Complaint
Martha goes straight to Jesus and tells Him how she feels.
  • What does this show about her relationship with Jesus?
  • Is it okay to be honest with God when you’re frustrated?
👉 Truth: God can handle your honesty — He’d rather you talk to Him than hide it.
💬 Question 5 — Jesus’ Gentle Correction
Jesus says, “Martha, Martha…” — He’s not angry, He’s caring.
  • What does this show about how Jesus speaks to us?
  • How do you think God responds when you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
👉 Remember: Jesus corrects with kindness, not harshness.
💬 Question 6 — “The Better Part”
Jesus says Mary chose “what is better.”
  • Does that mean serving others is bad?
  • Or is Jesus saying something about priority?
👉 Big idea: Being with Jesus comes before doing things for Him.
💬 Question 7 — Personal Application
Jesus says time with Him can’t be taken away — it lasts.
  • What could you do this week to spend time with Jesus?
    (e.g. pray, read the Bible, be quiet, listen)
  • When is the best time for you to do that?
👉 Challenge: Pick one small, real thing you’ll do this week.
🧠 Closing Thought
This story isn’t saying “don’t help people” or “don’t work hard.”
It’s reminding us:
You can do a lot for Jesus… but don’t forget to be with Him.