Joyful Moments in Christ

This Bible study lesson is for people who are learning English (ELL or ESL students). It is made for advanced beginner and intermediate English learners. Children who speak English or adults who prefer easy English may also enjoy it and learn from it.

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Lesson Icebreaker Question

When a visitor comes to your home, what do you usually do to get ready for them?

Lesson Highlight

In this lesson, we will learn about two sisters who welcomed Jesus into their home. One sister was busy working, and the other sat and listened to Jesus. We will learn what is most important when spending time with God.

Vocabulary List (GNT)

1. Came — Moved toward or arrived at a place.
2. Care — To be concerned about someone or something.
3. Chosen — Picked or decided on something.
4. Disciple — A person who follows and learns from a teacher, especially Jesus.
5. Feet — The parts of the body at the end of the legs, used for standing and walking.
6. Help — To assist or make things easier for someone.
7. Home — The place where a person lives.
8. Has Left — Went away or stopped helping.
9. Listened — Paid attention to sounds or words.
10. Lord — A name for God or Jesus, showing honor and respect.
11. Needed — Was important or had to be done.
12. Right — Good, correct, or best.
13. Sat Down — Lowered the body to sit on something like a chair or the ground.
14. Sister — A girl or woman who has the same parents as another person.
15. Taken Away — Removed from someone or someplace.
16. Teaching — Words and lessons that help others learn.
17. Troubled — Feeling upset, worried, or bothered.
18. Upset — Feeling unhappy, sad, or angry about something.
19. Village — A small town with houses and people.
20. Visit — To go and spend time with someone.
21. Went On Their Way — Continued walking or traveling.
22. Welcomed — Happily invited someone into a home or place.
23. Worried — Afraid or nervous that something bad might happen.
24. Work — Things people do to get something done.

Summary of the Passage

This passage tells a short story about two sisters named Martha and Mary. Jesus came to visit their home one day as he traveled with his followers, called disciples. Martha welcomed Jesus into the house. While she worked hard to get things ready, her sister Mary sat quietly at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching.

Martha became upset because she was doing all the work alone. She went to Jesus and asked him to tell Mary to help her. Martha felt worried and troubled about many things. She was busy serving, but her heart felt heavy.

Jesus kindly answered Martha. He told her that Mary had chosen the better thing. Mary decided to sit close to Jesus and listen to his words. Jesus explained that listening to him is the most important thing and it would not be taken away from Mary.

This passage teaches us that while working and serving others is good, it is even more important to spend time with Jesus and listen to his words. Jesus wants us to come close to him and learn from him.

Read The Passage

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him in her home.
39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching.
40 Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
41-42 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (GNT)

Most English learners should use the New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) or the Good News Translation (GNT) because they are easy to read. If you want to try something harder, you can read one of the other Bible versions:

• Very Easy: New International Reader’s Version: Luke 10:38-42 (NIRV)
• Easy: Good News Translation: Luke 10:38-42 (GNT)
• Medium: New Living Translation: Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
• Hard: New International Version: Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
• Very Hard: English Standard Version: Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

Comprehension Questions

1. Who did Jesus visit in this story?
2. What did Mary do when Jesus was in the house?
3. Why was Martha upset?
4. What did Martha ask Jesus to do?
5. How did Jesus answer Martha?
6. What did Jesus say was the most important thing?
7. Who chose the better thing in this story?

Application Questions

1. Why do you think Martha was so worried and upset?
2. Why is it sometimes hard to stop and listen to God?
3. How can you spend time listening to God during your week?
4. What is something you can do to help your heart feel peaceful like Mary’s?

Theological Insights

1. Jesus loves when people welcome him into their lives.
2. Listening to Jesus is more important than doing many busy things.
3. It is good to work and serve others, but our hearts need time with God.
4. God’s words give us peace and help us know what is most important.
5. We can choose to be close to God like Mary did.

Closing Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for loving us and teaching us what is most important. Help us to listen to your words and stay close to you. Amen.

ELL Resources for the Gospel of Luke

More ELL Resources

You can find more Bible lessons for English learners on the main ELL page.

Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.