Martha Worked, Mary Listened is a Bible story game that uses the classic game of “Telephone” to teach the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, and the choice Mary made to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus. This activity works wonderfully with young children ages 4 to 7 — and older elementary kids will enjoy it too.
I know what some of you are thinking: “What’s wrong with working hard? Was it really so bad that Martha wanted to make things nice for Jesus?” I understand that reaction! But if you look closely at the passage, you’ll see Jesus wasn’t putting Martha
down for working hard — He was simply pointing out that Mary’s choice to rest at His feet was the better choice for that moment.
We all have choices to make — and even our youngest children face decisions every day. So how do we help them choose what’s best, like Mary did? I believe the answer is found in Mary’s devotion to Jesus. He told Martha, “you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42, NKJV). Mary made the better choice because she was devoted to her Savior — and that’s the same kind of devotion we want to nurture in our children.
Along with this game, you’ll also find a Bible story song I wrote about Mary and Martha — told from Martha’s point of view, so expect a few giggles as kids realize just how hard she was working! And to help bring the story to life visually, I’ve included a few lovely vintage Bible pictures of Mary and Martha from the public domain.
Bible Activity #1: Martha Worked, Mary Listened — A Bible Story Game
Have your group of children sit in a circle. Read the passage above about Mary and Martha, and talk about it together for a bit. Then explain that everyone is going to get a chance to be like Mary, who made the better choice of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to what He had to say.
Tell the group you’re going to whisper a statement to the child sitting next to you. That child will whisper the same statement to the next person, and so on around the circle. The last child will say out loud what they heard — and compare it to the original statement. It usually ends in some funny discrepancies!
Once the laughter settles, say something like: “The Bible says Mary made the better choice. Let’s see if [child’s name] can make the best choice now.” That child — the last one in the circle — gets one of the scenarios below and has to decide the best choice. Play again with new children starting and ending the circle each round.
Choices to Make:
1. Tiffany’s older brother told her that Mom and Dad didn’t want her to go to the picnic with them. Tiffany didn’t believe him and asked her mom directly — and found out she was right not to believe her brother. Which is the best choice for Tiffany?
A. Never believe anything her brother says again.
B. Talk to her brother kindly, ask why he lied, and forgive him.
2. Joshua never seemed content — he always wanted things he didn’t have. His uncle reminded him that God wants us to be grateful for what we have. Joshua had learned this in Sunday School, but he was still frustrated. Which is the best choice for Joshua?
A. Ignore God’s teaching and pout when he doesn’t get his way.
B. Pray for God’s help and share his frustrations with a family member or friend.
3. Daniel called his cousin a bad name. His Aunt Nancy asked him to apologize. Daniel gritted his teeth and quickly said, “I’m sorry!” — but Aunt Nancy could tell he didn’t mean it and asked him to take a moment to think and pray about it instead. Which is the best choice for Daniel?
A. Obey his aunt and do as she asked.
B. Walk away with a grumbling, bitter attitude.
4. Old Mrs. Hubble had a backyard jungle gym the neighborhood kids loved. Her rule was clear: no kids in the yard unless Mr. Hubble was home, shown by a sign in her window. Today, there was no sign at all. Which is the best choice for the kids?
A. Assume she forgot the sign and play anyway.
B. Knock on her door to ask — and if no one answers, treat the yard as off-limits for the day.
5. Kelly and Katy shared a bedroom and got to pick a new paint color. Kelly liked bright colors; Katy liked soft, pastel ones. Which is the best choice for the girls?
A. Take the time needed to find a color they both like, with a willingness to compromise.
B. Be stubborn and make each other miserable about it.
6. Caleb found two quarters lying on the sidelines at his neighbor’s basketball court and pocketed them. His neighbor Logan came out asking if he’d seen his lost 50 cents. Which is the best choice for Caleb?
A. Lie and say he didn’t see them.
B. Return the money, apologize, and remember that Jesus doesn’t want us to take what isn’t ours.
7. Haley’s little brother constantly made crafts for their mom, who oohed and aahed every time — much to Haley’s jealous eye-rolling. One day he brought in a glue-covered picture, making a mess on the floor. Which is the best choice for Haley?
A. Help her brother clean up so they can both bless their mom.
B. Make fun of his picture and make him feel bad.
8. Ben’s dad usually helped him with math homework, but tonight Dad wasn’t feeling well. Ben’s older brother could help — but he often teases Ben and makes him feel not-so-smart. Which is the best choice for Ben?
A. Skip studying for the test altogether.
B. Ask his brother for help, try his best, and speak up kindly if the teasing starts.
9. Emma learned in Sunday School that God hears everything we say and think. That worried her, because she’d been having angry thoughts about her dad, who often seemed too busy for their visits since her parents’ divorce. Which is the best choice for Emma?
A. Pray for help with her anger, and honestly share her feelings with her dad — or with her mom or another trusted adult if he won’t listen.
B. Ignore the angry thoughts and pretend it doesn’t matter.
10. Jennifer’s dad just lost his job, and everyone in the family was worried about different things. Which is the best choice for Jennifer?
A. Keep worrying and forget everything she’s learned about trusting God.
B. Set an example for her family by praying for peace — and for a new job for her dad.
Bible Activity #2: Martha Is Busy — A Bible Story Puppet Song
“Martha is Busy” in mp3 file format:
To listen to the song, left click on the title button below.
To save the song, right click on the title button below.
Watch the fun video below that uses one of my favorite ways to have some fun with a puppet. The frame comes from Axtell’s production puppets. It is called “The Magic Drawing Board.”
Bible Activity #3: Bible Story Pictures for Mary and Martha
Here are four Bible story pictures from the public domain to help you tell the story of Mary and Martha:
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I’d love to hear — which of Martha and Mary’s choices did your kids relate to most? Share your favorite moment from playing this game below!