Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)

We started the night with the reading of the passage from Luke 10:38-42, followed by a bibliodrama. We played roles or the narrator, Martha, Mary and Jesus once and then swapped roles. From the drama we performed, we had the following observations and questions:


Observations about Martha:

• Luke ignored the details, ignored the significance of her service

• Was stopped from continuing the conversation

• Jesus was unfair to take sides

• Why was Mary affirmed?

• What were the disciples doing?

• Feel devalued

• In previous story, it was ok for  the good Samaritian  (a male) to be serving.

Observations about Mary:

• Why didn’t I say a word? Why weren’t my words recorded?

• I adore Jesus.

• Outwitted by my sister

• I was the favored child

• My sister was jealous

• Why didn’t I support my sister?

Questions:

• What was the meaning and/or significance of “at the feet”?

• What was Martha actually busy on? Ministry vs. serving food?

• What didn’t Martha speak directly to Mary directly? Political appeal to greater authority?

• Family dynamics, Martha older/bossy

• What was Luke’s agenda?

• Seems to be a contradictory emphasis on hospitality by not affirming Martha; but listening to guests is also hospitality

• Jesus is unfair in this story

• Location unclear—is it literally the kitchen?

We also came up with some possible applications:

• Can relate this to my own life as I sometimes focus on minor things and lose sight of the bigger picture

• Duality should be avoided

• Allow different learning/ministry styles

Our study material was taken from Back to the Well: Women's Encounters With Jesus in the Gospels
http://www.amazon.com/Back-Well-Womens-Encounters-Gospels/dp/0664227155
 
Meeting date: August 17, 2010.  Recorded by BL