One week.
One week changed everything.
“Passion Week” is the name we give to the days leading up to—and including—Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each year we revisit these stories, looking at them from different angles. This year, during Holy Week, we will walk through the Passion narrative through the eyes of four women. Today we meet Martha. On Thursday, Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, we will encounter three Mary’s. Each woman stands as a vital witness to the story of Jesus.
Martha is the oldest of three siblings. Her sister Mary—whom we will focus on Thursday—is well known for her devotion. Their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is not our focus today, but his life and death shape both sisters profoundly.
Martha appears in three New Testament passages. She is energetic, practical, and always in charge. She is the kind of person who gets things done—and gets caught up in the details while doing them.
Martha in Luke 10
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him…” (Luke 10:38–42)
We assume Martha is the oldest because Luke tells us it is her home. As the responsible eldest, she takes charge of hosting Jesus and His disciples. She welcomes them warmly and immediately begins preparing an elaborate meal. We do not know the menu, but we can imagine the aroma filling the house. Martha is giving Jesus her absolute best.
But while the guests settle in, Martha is not seen—only heard. Anyone who has ever listened to a frustrated cook knows the sounds: utensils set down a little too hard, sighs growing louder, pots clattering with increasing intensity.
Her frustration has a name: Mary.
Mary is seated at Jesus’ feet, listening, absorbing every word.
Martha is serving, but she is not enjoying the presence of the One she serves. Her actions are described with the Greek word diakonos—a word used for both service and worship. Martha is serving, but her heart is not worshipping.
Finally, flour on her face and hands on her hips, she bursts into the room.
“Lord, don’t you care…?”
“It’s not fair…”
“Tell her to help me.”
She has the audacity to command the Lord of the universe.
Jesus’ response is gentle but piercing:
“Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
He does not rebuke her service. He simply reminds her that she has missed the greater opportunity—being with Him.
We learn something essential here:
Being in relationship with Jesus is more important than doing things for Jesus.
Service matters, but service without presence becomes wearisome. Keep your priorities aligned, or your work for Christ can eclipse your walk with Christ.
Martha in John 11
The next time we see Martha, the scene is Bethany—just two miles from Jerusalem. Today the village is called Azariyeh, “the place of Lazarus.”
John 11 tells of a deeply painful moment. Lazarus has been gravely ill. Martha and Mary send a messenger to Jesus, believing He can heal their brother. But before the messenger even reaches Jesus, Lazarus dies. Within hours he is wrapped and placed in a tomb.
The community gathers to mourn. For four days they “sit shiva,” believing that by the fourth day the spirit has departed and decay has begun.
Then Martha hears that Jesus is approaching.
And true to her character—she moves.
Mary stays.
Martha goes.
“Lord,” Martha says, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
She begins with “Lord.” She is not disrespectful. She is honest. She believes Jesus could have healed Lazarus.
Jesus responds:
“Your brother will rise again.”
Martha affirms the future resurrection on the last day. Her faith is real but limited to what she already understands.
Then Jesus stretches her faith:
“I am the resurrection and the life…”
He does not merely promise resurrection—
He is resurrection.
He is life.
Then comes the question that echoes across centuries:
“Do you believe this?”
Martha answers with one of the greatest confessions in Scripture:
“Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Her faith is genuine, though still growing. Later, when Jesus orders the stone removed, she hesitates because of the smell. She believes yet struggles. She trusts, yet wrestles.
Martha is on a journey of faith.
So are you.
Express your belief—even when you struggle. Jesus meets you there, just as He met Martha.
Martha’s Final Appearance: A Changed Heart
The final biblical scene involving Martha takes place less than a week before the Savior’s death. The most beautiful elements of this moment will unfold in Thursday’s blog, but today we set the table—literally—and watch the transformation in Martha’s life.
“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.” (John 12:1–2)
The setting is remarkable. A feast is underway. At first glance, we might assume this dinner is hosted in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. But another Gospel tells us it takes place in the home of Simon the leper.
Yes—Jesus is dining in the home of a man once marked by disease and isolation. As His public ministry draws to a close, He chooses to spend one of His final evenings in a place most people would avoid. That is the heart of Jesus.
He is the honored guest, as is Lazarus—the living testimony of Jesus’ power. The disciples are present. Women gather. The house is full. The aroma of the meal fills the air. It must have been a celebration unlike any other.
And then we read two familiar words:
“Martha served.”
The same word used in Luke.
The same woman.
But not the same heart.
This time there is no frustration, no slamming of dishes, no resentment toward her sister. Martha is not overwhelmed, she is overjoyed. Her brother is alive. Her Savior is nearby. Her service is no longer a burden; it is worship.
Martha has changed.
And dinner is amazing.
