LEAN IN

(Start here to help the group connect personally before diving into Scripture.)

• When you think of your current schedule, do you feel more like Mary or Martha? Why?
• What does a “busy” week look like for you, and how does it affect your relationship with God? How does it affect your relationship with others?

LOOK UP: Scripture Engagement (Luke 10:38–42)

Read the passage together: 

OIA Method

• Observation (What does the text say?):
• What do you notice about Martha? About Mary?
• What is Jesus affirming, and what is He correcting?

Interpretation (What does the passage mean?):

• What do we learn about Jesus’ values here?
• What do you think Jesus meant by “the one thing necessary”?
• Why do you think it was hard for Martha to pause and join Mary at Jesus’ feet?

Application (What’s my response?):

• How are you encouraged, challenged, or convicted by Jesus’ words to Martha?
• What would it look like for you to “choose the better portion” this week?
• What is one “anxious or troubling” thing Jesus is inviting you to surrender?

Additional Reflective Questions

• Read Ephesians 5:15–17. What does it mean to “make the best use of the time”? How can we do this practically without becoming more frantic?
• Read Haggai 1:5–9. What does it look like to “consider your ways” in the way you use time, energy, and attention?
• Is there anything you’re building that God hasn’t asked you to build?

Scripture References

Luke 10:38–42

Ephesians 5:15–17

Haggai 1:5–9

Prayer Guide

Take a few moments to be silent and ask Jesus, “Where do I find myself frequently responding with the phrase ‘I’m too busy’?” 

Then pray through the following:

• Surrender – Ask God to reveal any area where you are striving or distracted.
• Re-center – Pray for a renewed desire to be with Jesus, not just serve Him.
• Wisdom – Ask for wisdom to know what to say yes or no to in the week ahead.
• Rest – Invite the Holy Spirit to help you experience true rest in Jesus.
• Close by reading Matthew 11:28–30 as a group prayerful reminder.

Practice (STEP OUT)

Choose one or more steps this week:

• Time Audit – Track how you spend your time each day this week. At the end of the week, ask: “Does my schedule reflect my spiritual priorities?”
• Technology Sabbath – Choose one evening or one full day to unplug from screens and spend intentional time in rest, prayer, or with loved ones.
• Silent Morning – Begin one morning this week with 15 minutes of silence and prayer before starting your to-do list.