A close friend and follower of Jesus. In (Luke 10:38-42) she, apparently as head of the household, invites Jesus into her home. She is described as “distracted by her many tasks,” while her sister Mary sits at Jesus’s feet and listens to his teaching. Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus replies that Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken from her. Later, Martha appears in the story of the raising of Lazarus in Bethany (John 11:1-44). Martha is named first, before Mary and Lazarus, as loved by Jesus (John 11:5). Going out to meet him, she receives teaching concerning the resurrection, acknowledges him as Lord, and confesses faith in him as “the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:20-27).
Luke 10:38-42
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
38Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.39She had a si ... View more
John 11:1-44
The Death of Lazarus
1Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.2Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perf ... View more
John 11:5
5Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,
John 11:20-27
20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would ... View more