Martha of Bethany's Children's Study
Jesus Can Do Anything
Martha lived in a town called Bethany with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus. One day, Jesus came to visit. Martha wanted everything to be perfect. She cooked and cleaned and rushed around the kitchen. But Mary just sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him.
Martha got frustrated. “Lord, tell Mary to help me!” she said.
Jesus answered kindly, “Martha, you are worried about so many things. Only one thing is truly important, and Mary has chosen it.”
Later, Lazarus got very sick. Martha and Mary sent for Jesus, but He didn’t come right away. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha ran to meet Jesus. “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died,” she said.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live forever. Do you believe this?”
Martha said, “Yes, Lord. I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus went to the tomb and said, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus came back to life! Martha learned that Jesus is more than a guest or a healer, He is the Son of God who gives us eternal life.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Choosing What Is Best
Tommy wanted to help his mom set the table for a party, but he kept checking his video game. His mom said, “It’s good to help, but first listen to what I ask you to do.” Tommy put down the game and helped with a happy heart.
Big Truth:
Listening to Jesus is more important than being busy with many things.
Study Questions:
- What was Martha doing when Jesus came to her house?
- What was Mary doing?
- Why did Jesus say Mary chose the better thing?
- How can you choose to listen to Jesus today?
Lesson 2: Telling Jesus Our Troubles
Sofia’s puppy ran away. She ran to her dad crying, “Daddy, if you had been watching, he wouldn’t have run!” Her dad hugged her and said, “I’m here now. Let’s find him together.”
Big Truth:
We can tell Jesus when we are sad or upset, He listens and loves us.
Study Questions:
- What did Martha tell Jesus when she met Him after Lazarus died?
- Was Martha afraid to say how she felt?
- Does Jesus get angry when we tell Him our troubles?
- What is something you can tell Jesus about today?
Lesson 3: Believing Who Jesus Is
Leo’s big brother said, “I can fix your bike chain.” Leo believed him. When his brother fixed it, Leo rode away smiling. Believing made the difference.
Big Truth:
Jesus is the Son of God, the resurrection and the life. Believing in Him gives us forever life with God.
Study Questions:
- What did Martha believe about Jesus? (John 11:27)
- What did Jesus say about Himself? (“I am the resurrection and the life”)
- Why is it important to believe that Jesus is God’s Son?
- Do you believe what Martha believed? Why or why not?
Lesson 4: Jesus Has Power Over Death
Ella’s flower looked dead, brown and droopy. Her grandma watered it anyway. Three days later, a green sprout appeared. “Nothing is too dead for God to bring back to life,” Grandma said.
Big Truth:
Jesus has power to raise the dead because He is God. Everyone who trusts Him will live forever.
Study Questions:
- How many days was Lazarus dead before Jesus came?
- What did Jesus say to Lazarus at the tomb?
- Did Lazarus come out alive?
- What does this miracle teach us about Jesus’ power?
Big Ideas for Kids
- Listening to Jesus is better than being busy.
- You can tell Jesus anything, He understands your feelings.
- Believing that Jesus is God’s Son gives you eternal life.
- Jesus is stronger than death, and He loves you.
Children’s Activities
- “Mary or Martha” Action Game
Shout “Martha!” and kids pretend to scrub, sweep, and cook. Shout “Mary!” and kids sit down and cup their ears like they’re listening. Talk about why both can be good, but listening comes first. - Resurrection Rolling Stone Craft
Give each child a paper cup on its side (the tomb) and a cotton ball (the stone). Let them color a small paper figure of Lazarus inside the cup. Roll the cotton ball away and say, “Lazarus, come out!” - “I Believe” Heart Banner
Cut out paper hearts. On each heart, help children write or draw one thing they believe about Jesus (e.g., “Jesus loves me,” “Jesus is God’s Son,” “Jesus gives forever life”). String the hearts together as a banner.