What does the Bible say about Martha and Mary?

Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, lived in the village of Bethany and were close friends of Jesus. They are first mentioned in Luke 10:38–42, where Jesus enters their home. Martha, the elder sister, is busy with serving, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His word. Martha becomes frustrated and says, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Jesus gently responds, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part” (Luke 10:41–42). This shows that while service is good, devotion to Christ and His teaching is of greater value.

The sisters reappear in John 11 during the account of Lazarus’s death. They send word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Jesus delays His coming, and Lazarus dies. When Jesus arrives, Martha meets Him and says, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Yet she also expresses faith, saying, “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22). Jesus assures her, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and she confesses, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27).

Mary later comes to Jesus, falls at His feet, and echoes Martha’s words of grief (John 11:32). Jesus, deeply moved, goes to the tomb and raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43–44), displaying His power and compassion.

In John 12:1–3, shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, a supper is held in Bethany. Martha serves, and Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly oil and wipes them with her hair. Judas Iscariot objects, but Jesus defends her act as preparation for His burial, saying, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7).

Martha and Mary exemplify two vital aspects of Christian life: active service and devoted worship. Martha’s diligence and Mary’s adoration both reflect love for Christ, though Mary’s attentiveness to His words and her costly act of worship show the depth of faith and understanding. Their interactions with Jesus reveal His personal love, His divine power over death, and His acceptance of all who come to Him in faith.

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