I love having my students inject themselves into the Gospel stories; they can really relate to stories about relatives! Two weeks ago, my 8th graders rewrote the story of Martha getting frustrated with Mary when she invited Jesus, and presumably His apostles, over for dinner. These were their instructions:
You are to rewrite the story of Martha getting upset at Mary and involving Jesus in the process. It is found in Luke 10:38-42. There is a 150 word minimum and you must use capitalization, complete sentences, and good grammar. You may write from the perspective of Mary, Martha, or Lazarus who we presume was also present. Any direct quoting of Martha or Jesus as well as copy/pasting will result in a zero. GOOD LUCK!
Below are the observations by three of my scholars, all used by permission!
[Martha's perspective] I seriously can’t believe Mary right now! Is she really sitting down listening to Jesus tell her stories? We have so much work that we must be doing right now. She is always like this! She has always been the one to slack on her responsibilities. Me, on the other hand, practically live in the kitchen and outdoors, cooking and cleaning. All she does is simply exist, and on top of that, she never listens to me. She’s so spoiled, and behaves like a little child. I really wish she would stop listening and help me prepare the food and finish getting the house ready. But, knowing her, she won’t listen to me. I’ve been in here for hours cooking and cleaning, so that our guests can enjoy themselves. If we were to split up the duties, then maybe I could also hear what the teacher has to say. So...... maybe if I ask Jesus, he would see things from my point of view. “ Excuse, Jesus…?” Natalie
[Mary's perspective] All day long, I heard my sister complaining about how there were more than thirteen men coming to our house tonight and how I never help when there are people coming over! I do help, though! She told me that I needed to leave her alone when she’s working because I always mess things up. Lazarus is sitting on the porch laughing at us! I would’ve gone to talk to him, but as I reach the door, the men are there. I welcome them inside and glance over at Martha, who’s still trying to make enough food. I show everyone where to sit, and to my surprise, Jesus starts talking to me! Of all the people in this house right now, He chose me! I sit down and begin to listen when Martha starts to bug me about helping her. “Mary, why aren’t you helping me?” She asks. “We have a lot of work to do for these fine men.” Jesus gives her a blank look, then starts to explain how what she’s doing is great and respectful, but not necessary. I smile to myself and give Martha a teasing look. I knew I was the sister who always did things right! Kaitlyn
[Lazarus' perspective] The other day, I had just walked into the
house when I could hear Martha complaining about Mary not helping her out
again. Every day, Mary sits and argues with Martha. When Martha goes to get
water, Mary doesn't help. When Martha has to slaughter the lamb, Mary doesn't
help. When Martha goes to the market, Mary doesn't help. But this time, it was
different. Mary wasn't arguing back. Martha kept on yelling and whining. But
there was no noise coming from Mary. A man named Jesus was sitting on the
ground talking, and Mary was listening. This Jesus guy was talking about God and some eternal life stuff. Mary was very interested and
was completely silent. I too, was highly interested so I sat down. But before
that, I asked Martha why she was always arguing with Mary. I said it would help
if she sat down and listened to Jesus.
Steve
Luke 18:1
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