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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain key teachings from the story of Martha and Mary for Christians today.

      Key learning points

      1. The society in which Jesus lived was patriarchal, meaning that women had little power.
      2. During his life, Jesus challenged traditional ideas of the role of women and the power they could hold.
      3. Women were part of the Jesus movement and are mentioned many times in the Gospels.
      4. It was women who are recorded as being the first people to see the risen Jesus.

      Keywords

      • Disciple - a follower of Jesus

      • Equality - when all people are treated the same

      • New Testament - the second part of the Bible which records the life and teachings of Jesus

      • Patriarchal - a society where men have more power than women

      Common misconception

      All the most important people in the Jesus movement were male.

      There are many stories in the Gospels which show that Jesus gave women power and challenged how they were treated in society.

      Teacher tip

      Ask the pupils to think about or discuss who they think it is important to listen to and why.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Why might Christians look at Jesus' teaching on wealth today?

      for riches
      Correct answer: to use money fairly
      to buy more things

      Q2.
      Jesus used the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus to speak to power.

      Correct Answer: truth, Truth

      Q3.
      What is “debt relief”?

      only banks get money
      everyone becomes rich
      Correct answer: helping people or countries who owe lots of money

      Q4.
      Christians support trade to make sure people are paid fairly.

      Correct Answer: fair, Fair

      Q5.
      What can talking to Christians teach us?

      how to sleep well
      Correct answer: how they live by Jesus
      how to write

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In Jesus’ society, what was the usual role of women?

      religious leaders
      political leaders
      Correct answer: limited power

      Q2.
      Jesus challenged traditional ideas of the role and of women.

      Correct Answer: power, Power

      Q3.
      Who were the first to witness Jesus' resurrection according to the Gospels?

      the Roman Guards
      his male disciples
      Correct answer: a group of women

      Q4.
      Which Gospel story shows Jesus challenging how women were treated?

      Correct answer: the woman caught in adultery
      feeding of the 5,000
      Jesus calming the storm

      To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Martha and Mary, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...