Let’s Talk About Martha In The Bible

Jordan

6 months ago

I want to talk about Martha from the Bible. I think as homemakers we find ourselves in Martha’s shoes more often than not, but I feel like Martha often gets overlooked in the Bible. But she has some great lessons that we should all learn as homemakers, but as women in general. Especially in a day and age where we are told staying home as wives and mothers is a waste.

Martha is an overlooked character in the Bible, so let’s deep dive and understand her a little better.

Women Of The Bible

Women often focus on women like Jael or the Proverbs 31 woman. Rarely do I hear about the other women being talked about. For some reason it’s cool to only want to be Jael and make fun of the Proverbs 31 woman or to be the Proverbs 31 woman and look down on Jael. What about the other women in the Bible? I think we should strive to be a little bit of all of them to honest. But we are going to focus on Martha today.

Who Is Martha?

Martha was the sister of Lazarus (yes the one who Jesus brought back from death) and Mary as well as a good friend of Jesus and His disciples. She is actually fairly significant in the New Testament. She lived in Bethany with her family as a single woman and we see her 3 different times in the Bible.

Where Do We See Martha In The Bible?

The first time we see Martha is in Luke 10, John 11, and John 12.

Luke 10

In Luke 10 we see that Martha is hosting Jesus and His disciples. They often found rest within her home as she is known for her hospitality. Martha was trying to be a good hostess and focused on all the things that needed to be done. (I’m sure many of us can related and understand how overwhelming it can get.) However, her sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Jesus. Martha became frustrated and said:

Luke 10:40

“Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.”

Luke 10:41

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (42) But one thing is needful: and Mary hath choses that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Understanding Jesus’ Rebuke

Jesus lovingly rebuked her reminding her that it is okay to forsake duties to spend time with the Lord.

When I was a girl, I was always confused why Jesus rebuked Martha. She was trying to take care of everyone. But as I got older I understood better and I think it was best explained by this study Bible I have.

“Martha: A Busy Hostess:

…Martha’s irritation with her sister led to a confrontation with Jesus as in effect she blamed Him for Mary’s lack of assistance. His loving response was not a condemnation of Martha’s servant’s heart or a rejection of her zealous and gracious hospitality. He simply asked her to reconsider her priorities, to make her choices on the basis of eternal values instead of immediate pressures. And he clearly praised Mary’s choice to sit in His presence rather than attending to the many tasks of hospitality.

…Martha’s appearance in Scripture provides a challenge. Her work of hospitality was clearly good and right in many ways. And yet Christ’s rebuke and the favor He showed to Mary highlights the danger of letting good works crow out the need to commune with Christ.”

John 11:1-44

The next time we hear about Martha and her family it is a number of months later. While Jesus was traveling away from his friends, He receives word that Lazarus is very ill. Jesus continues for a couple days before making His way to Bethany. By the time He gets to Bethany, Lazarus is dead.

However, Martha ignores the customs of mourners to go meet Jesus. And she attributes Lazarus’ death to Jesus’ delay. BUT, she had faith and trusted Jesus, and acknowledged His power over death.

John 11:21

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever You ask.”

Jesus explained that He WAS the resurrection and she agreed and saw her brother’s resurrections.

John 11:23-27

“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “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?” “Yes Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

She Was Not Accusing Him

Many people think she is accusing Jesus. I think it is a statement she made followed by great faith.

She was not accusing Jesus as so many people believe, rather, she understands that had Jesus been able to make it, Lazarus would not have died. I believe it’s a statement rather than her being accusatory.

But the most important thing about this story is that she believed, wholeheartedly, that Jesus is the Messiah.

John 12:1-8

The last time we hear about her she is again assuming hostess duties.

John 12:1-3

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance of the perfume.”

The Overlooked Sister

I think Martha sometimes get overlooked and is seen in a bad light, but she has a beautiful message for Homemakers and women at large about hospitality and homemaking.

I think oftentimes Martha gets overlooked in this story. She has 1 part, short and simple, “Martha served…” and then it goes onto Mary using the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. It would seem that Mary cared more for Jesus as she was always at His feet and now using expensive perfume on His feet.

However, once again Martha was using her gift of hospitality to bless others. Martha was there to help with the physical refreshment of Jesus and His disciples by providing them with her warm hospitality, creating a safe and loving place for them to rest. She obviously doesn’t consider her homemaking responsibilities lightly or as worthless, or as drudgery. She loves her home and it appears to enjoy in pouring her energy into her homemaking to bless others.

The Lesson Of Martha

From what we can see from the Bible, one might overlook some important things about Martha. But Martha is a wonderful reminder for every woman to be bold, and find a balance between faith, the home, family, and fellowship. And to women who don’t appreciate the home, it’s not worthless drudgery, it’s a blessing to others.

And while it isn’t in the Bible and based on what I’ve read on the internet, she even did great things after Jesus’ death when her family was persecuted. She evangelized to a new area, bringing many to Jesus.

It’s important, even as homemakers to yes, take care of the home, but to spend time at Jesus feet. If we just use our gift, especially one so giving, without sitting at Jesus’ feet, we will find soon that our well empties fast. So, take time to sit at Jesus’ feet and then use your gift to further the Kingdom of God!