Martha, Mary and Jesus

A Dramatization of Luke 10:38-42 tNIV

This scene vividly captures the human tendency to project our own or other people’s understandings and expectations onto God. Like Martha, when we can’t involve others in sharing our understanding or meeting those expectations, frustration and tension mount until we scold the Lord and our sisters and brothers for not caring and helping. Mary teaches us to listen carefully to and for the Lord’s perspective, one we can share and fulfill together.

[After opening hymn, players take their places to begin the skit. Narrator to observe when players are ready]

Narrator: 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 [Martha greets Jesus at the “door,” and ushers him to a place on the steps]. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said [Mary enters, obviously pleased to see the Lord, and settles down to listen to his conversation]. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made [She fetches, sets out and arranges the “meal,” actually the Communion elements, fussing over the appearance and arrangement of things].

Martha: [Martha adlibs aloud her expectations and mounting frustration. Finally, obviously upset and reproachful] “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Jesus: ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha, [Jesus places a hand affectionately and soothingly on her shoulder] 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.” [Martha and Mary embrace, then exit].

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, TODAY'S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.