Martha’s story is told in Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-45
Martha: A Devoted and Practical Follower of Jesus
When we think about the people close to Jesus, Martha often comes to mind. She was a woman who loved Jesus deeply and showed her devotion through both her actions and her faith. Her story, found in the Gospels, reminds us that God values both our service and our time spent with Him.
Martha’s Family and Home
Martha lived in a village called Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. She had a sister named Mary and a brother named Lazarus. The Bible tells us that Jesus loved this family and often visited their home. Martha’s home became a special place where Jesus could rest and spend time with close friends.
The Story of Martha and Mary
One of the most well-known stories about Martha is found in Luke 10:38–42. In this story, Jesus visits Martha and Mary. While Jesus is teaching, Mary sits at His feet, listening carefully. Meanwhile, Martha is busy preparing the meal and taking care of the house.
Feeling overwhelmed, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently tells Martha that Mary has chosen what is better by focusing on Him. He isn’t upset with Martha—He simply reminds her that listening to Him is more important than being busy.
Lesson: It’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks, even when we’re doing good things. But spending time with Jesus is the most important part of our lives.
Martha’s Faith During a Hard Time
Another powerful moment in Martha’s life happens in John 11. Her brother Lazarus becomes very sick and dies before Jesus arrives. When Jesus comes to Bethany, Martha goes out to meet Him. Even in her grief, she shows strong faith.
She tells Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask.” She also boldly declares, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus is deeply moved and raises Lazarus from the dead. This moment shows how Martha’s faith grew stronger, even through loss.
Lesson: Even when we don’t understand why something hard is happening, we can still trust that Jesus is with us and able to help.
Martha’s Quiet Service
In John 12:1–2, we see Martha again—serving a meal in Jesus’ honor. But this time, there’s no complaint. She simply serves, showing love and care. It’s a beautiful picture of how service can be an act of worship when done with the right heart.
Lesson: God sees and values our everyday acts of service, especially when they come from a heart of love.
What We Can Learn from Martha
Martha teaches us many things:
- It’s good to serve, but we must also make time to listen to God.
- Honest conversations with Jesus help our faith grow.
- Faith is not just about feelings—it’s also shown in our actions.
- God is patient with us, even when we’re stressed or struggling.
Conclusion
Martha was practical, faithful, and deeply loved by Jesus. Her story reminds us that God cares about our work, our worries, and our worship. Like Martha, we can grow in faith and learn to balance our busy lives with a heart that listens to God.