Martha
Busy serving, she complained to Jesus, and later made one of the boldest confessions of faith.
New Testament · 1st century · Luke, John · Also known as Martha of Bethany
About Martha
Martha lived in Bethany with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus, and "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." When she welcomed Jesus into her home, she was "cumbered about much serving" while Mary sat listening at his feet, and Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help. "Martha, Martha," he said, "thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful." When Lazarus died, Martha went out to meet Jesus, heard him say, "I am the resurrection, and the life," and answered, "I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God."
Bethany was a village about two miles from Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives. Hospitality was a serious duty. Martha’s confession in John 11:27 closely matches Peter’s famous confession in the other Gospels.
The story
Martha, Martha
Martha received Jesus into her house. Her sister Mary "sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving." She said, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?" Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part."
Luke 10:38-42
If thou hadst been here
When Lazarus had been dead four days, Martha went out to meet Jesus: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."
John 11:17-22
I am the resurrection
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live… Believest thou this?" "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
John 11:23-27
Martha served
At the tomb, Martha warned, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days." Jesus raised Lazarus. Six days before Passover, they made Jesus a supper in Bethany, "and Martha served."
John 11:39-44; 12:1-2
Key moments
- Welcomes Jesus: Into her house. (Luke 10:38)
- "Martha, Martha": "One thing is needful." (Luke 10:41-42)
- Meets Jesus after Lazarus dies: "If thou hadst been here." (John 11:21)
- Confesses Jesus as the Christ: "The Son of God." (John 11:27)
- Serves at the supper: In Bethany. (John 12:2)
Questions about Martha
In meetBible these answers are given in Martha’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
Was Jesus telling you off?
He said my name twice, gently: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." He didn’t say serving was wrong; he said I was "troubled about many things," and that listening to him mattered most. Luke records no reply from me.
What did you believe about Jesus?
When Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life… Believest thou this?" I answered, "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Even before that, grieving, I had said, "I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."
Why did you say Lazarus would smell?
When Jesus said, "Take ye away the stone," I protested, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days." I believed in him, but I couldn’t imagine what he was about to do. Jesus answered, "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
Connected people
- Mary of Bethany: Sister
- Lazarus: Brother
- Jesus: Friend
Read it yourself
Start with Luke 10:38-42; John 11.