The Listening Heart (Mary & Martha)
This sister was busy preparing and serving.
Who is Martha?
Esther kept this part of her identity a secret at first
What is being Jewish (or her Jewish heritage)
This was Sarah's greatest desire that seemed impossible for a long time.
What is to have a child (or a son)
This was Ruth's mother-in-law, who experienced great loss.
Who is Naomi?
A common distraction for teens that can keep them from listening
What are phones or social media?
Mary chose to do this at Jesus's feet.
What is listen and learn?
This evil man plotted to destroy all the Jewish people.
Who is Haman
Sarah's initial reaction when she heard she would have a baby in her old age
What is laughter (or disbelief)?
This other daughter-in-law chose to return to her own family
Who is Orpah
The feeling of seeing someone treated unfairly but being afraid to speak up.
What is fear or hesitation
Jesus told Martha she was worried and upset about "many things," but only this was truly needed.
What is one thing (or, to be present and listen)
Mordecai's powerful challenge to Esther about her royal position
What is "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
The name of Sarah's son, meaning "he laughs"
Who is Isaac?
Ruth declared, "Your people will be my people and your God my God" to this person
Who is Naomi
Trying to "fix" a situation yourself when you feel impatient, like Sarah did
What is taking matters into your own hands
This is a feeling Martha likely experienced watching Mary.
What is frustration or annoyance
Esther risked this by approaching the king without being called
What is her life (or death)
God's question to Abraham after Sarah laughed
What is "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
This is how Ruth bravely provided for herself and Naomi in Bethlehem
What is gleaning in the fields
When you stick by a friend even when it's hard or inconvenient, you are showing this quality.
What is loyalty
Beyond chores, this is what Mary prioritized in that moment.
What is connection, learning, or being present
Before speaking to the king, Esther asked her people to do this for three days
What is fast and pray
Sarah tried to "help" God's plan by suggesting this, which caused problems
What is having Abraham have a child with Hagar (or her servant)?
This kind and wealthy landowner eventually married Ruth
Who is Boaz
The idea that you might have unique abilities or a purpose to help others, like Esther.
What is "being in a position for such a time as this" (or having a purpose)