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Luke 10:38–42—A Children’s Song

Luke’s Gospel contains the story of Jesus’s meeting with two sisters named Mary and Martha.

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38­–42)

This story served as the inspiration for a children’s song composed by Grammy-nominated musician Justin Roberts. The song, called “Shh Shh Shh,” capitalizes on the sibling rivalry to delight children with exchanges set to a very catchy melody and a rhythmic rock-’n’-roll beat.

In one verse, Mary tells Martha to “Shh Shh Shh,” so that she can listen to Jesus’s teachings. But Martha responds that she does not have time to “Shh Shh Shh” because she has too much to do. The overall theme is a simple invitation to be still and appreciate the moments of life for what they are.

Roberts is a Chicago-based American singer-songwriter who performs children’s music with an ensemble called the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Luke’s Gospel appears to be a favorite source of inspiration, since he also has a song about Zacchaeus (see Luke 19:1–10), called “What’s He Doing Up There?,” and a song about the Parable of the Great Dinner (see Luke 14:16–24), called “Guess Who’s.” These songs and others are featured on his album, Why Not Sea Monsters?: Songs From the New Testament (2005).