In brief
Martha is one of the friends of Jesus at Bethany, with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus. The Gospel of Luke shows her busy with serving when she welcomes Jesus into her home. The Gospel of John shows her in tears after the death of Lazarus, then confessing her faith in Jesus, the resurrection and the life. She serves again at the meal before Passover. She is remembered as a down-to-earth woman whom Jesus loved and taught.
What does the name Martha mean?
Martha is an Aramaic name, generally linked to the meaning of mistress or lady of the house. The Bible does not explain this name. It fits well the woman who, according to Luke, welcomes Jesus into her home.
The story of Martha
She Welcomes Jesus Into Her Home
Luke 10:38-40During a journey, Jesus enters a village where a woman named Martha welcomes him into her home. Her sister Mary sits at the Lord's feet and listens to his word. Martha, for her part, is distracted by the many tasks of serving. She comes and asks Jesus to tell her sister to help her.
Only One Thing Is Needed
Luke 10:41-42Jesus answers gently, repeating her name: Martha, Martha. He tells her she is worried and upset about many things, but only one is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken from her. Jesus does not reject Martha's service, he shows her what is essential.
A Sick Brother at Bethany
John 11:1-6Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, falls ill at Bethany. The two sisters send word to Jesus that the one he loves is sick. John notes that Jesus loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus. Yet Jesus stays two more days where he is, before going to Judea.
Martha Runs to Meet Him
John 11:20-27When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes to meet him while Mary stays at home. She tells him her pain: if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus declares that he is the resurrection and the life. She confesses that he is the Christ, the Son of God.
At the Tomb
John 11:38-44Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus and asks for the stone to be taken away. Martha objects that the body already smells, since he has been there four days. Jesus reminds her that if she believes, she will see the glory of God. After the stone is removed, Jesus calls Lazarus, who comes out of the tomb.
A Meal at Bethany
John 12:1-2Six days before Passover, Jesus returns to Bethany. A meal is given for him, and Martha serves, while Lazarus is at the table with him. We find Martha faithful to her service. But in this text, the service is part of the worship and gratitude of the household, after the miracle of the raising of Lazarus.
What Martha teaches us
- Service is precious, but it must not steal the place of listening to Jesus.
- Bring your worries to Jesus without detour: Martha speaks frankly to him and he answers her gently.
- In grief, you can confess Jesus as the resurrection and the life, even without understanding.
- Jesus calls each person by name and loves them as they are, whether active or contemplative.
Key verses
Jesus says: Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one is needed. He does not condemn service, he invites her to put listening to his word at the center.
Jesus presents himself to Martha as the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him will live even if he dies, and whoever lives and believes in him will never die. He asks her whether she believes this.
Martha answers with a confession of faith: she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. A clear statement in the midst of her grief.
Sermons about Martha
Frequently asked questions
Why does Jesus correct Martha?
Jesus does not blame Martha for serving. He observes that she is worried and upset about many things, while only one is needed. Mary chose to listen to his word, and Jesus defends her. He shows Martha that listening comes before agitation.
What does the name Martha mean?
Martha is an Aramaic name, generally linked to the meaning of mistress or lady of the house. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. This connection remains a common interpretation, which fits well the way Luke presents her.
Where can I find the story of Martha in the Bible?
She appears in three passages: Luke 10:38-42 where she welcomes Jesus, John 11 where she confesses her faith at the death of her brother Lazarus, and John 12:1-2 where she serves at a meal in Bethany, a few days before Passover.