What would it have been like to live in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus, to hear him preach, to reach out and touch his cloak, or better yet, to be his best friend? Martha, along with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus, was a friend to Jesus. The Bible tells us in John 11:5 that Jesus loved Martha and her siblings. Martha is mentioned in the Bible three times and each gives a deep view of who she was and her relationship with Jesus.
We first meet Martha in Luke 10 where she is hosting Jesus and his disciples for a meal in her home outside of Jerusalem. As Martha hustles about, being the perfect hostess and preparing the perfect meal, she becomes frustrated with her sister Mary. Mary had stopped helping her sister and was sitting at the feet of Jesus soaking in his words and teachings. Martha became so upset she even called Jesus out and issued a command saying, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40) Martha was anxious and Jesus gave her peace with his reply, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary had chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus does not dishonor Martha’s gift, but helps her understand that there are different ways to serve.
We meet Martha again in John 11 at the death of her brother Lazarus. Martha and Mary had sent for Jesus when Lazarus became ill, but He arrived too late to heal him. Even in her time of mourning and distress, Martha continues to be the hostess in her brother’s home, greeting mourners and friends who came to support the two sisters. But when she hears of Jesus’ arrival, she runs to meet Him, declaring ”Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:21-22) Jesus replies with one of his famous I AM statements, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Martha replies, “Yes Lord, I believe that you’re the Messiah, the Son of God, who is come into the world.” Upon Martha’s faith, Jesus raises her brother Lazarus from the dead.
The last time we hear of Martha is in John 12:2. A dinner was given in Jesus’ honor at the home of Lazarus. The scripture says simply “Martha served.” She was doing what she loved to do the most, serving. It was her “love language”. In 1 Peter 4:9 and Romans 12:6-8, we are told that hospitality and serving are spiritual gifts. Martha certainly overflowed with these gifts. It is at this dinner party that her sister Mary, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive oil. In this story, we not only see her acts of service, but also her giving of resources to Jesus without hesitation and despite ridicule from Judas. Martha now seems content with serving dinner while her sister Mary serves in her own unique way.
Through the stories told of Martha in the Bible, we learn the acts of balancing service with worship, faith when all is lost, and the giving of resources for God’s glory. From her interactions with Jesus, we also learn insight into His own character. We learn that service to Jesus includes doing and listening and that He wants our company more than he wants our “meal”.
What are things that distract you from having quality time with Jesus? Most of us are like Martha. Our lives demand it. However, spending daily time with Jesus is critical. Our time with Jesus grows our faith. We must trust His plan, for His plan is much better than our own. What would you do if Jesus knocked on your door today?
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