bible verse jesus visits mary and martha

She is Called Women of the Bible Study Vol. 2

Mary and martha, sitting at the feet of jesus.

By Elder Michelle Christy

The story of Mary and Martha in the Bible shows us two different approaches to following Jesus. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha works hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister, Mary of Bethany, simply sits at his feet and listens. Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to abide with Christ. Sitting at the feet of Jesus prevents Mary’s service from becoming distracted and unhealthy.  

Jesus, you call us to seek your presence and to serve the world in your name. Teach us to seek you wholeheartedly and to serve you without distraction or self-righteousness. Fill us with your love that we might bring it to a broken and hurting world. Amen.

Key Scripture

Luke 10:38-42 , John 11 , and John 12:1-7

“Now as they went on their way, [Jesus] entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:38-42

Introduction to Mary and Martha in the Bible

In our text, we find Jesus headed two miles east from Jerusalem toward the nearby village of Bethany. Jesus stops in Bethany where his friends Martha and Mary and their brother, Lazarus, live. John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11:5). One commentator indicates that Mary and Martha may have been the most important and prominent women in Jesus’s life after his own mother. 1

If we consider the passage in its canonical order, we first meet Jesus’s friends here in Luke, and later in John 11 and 12. Mary positions herself at the feet of Jesus in each of these stories. Luke says Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” John 11 says she falls at Jesus’s feet. Mary anoints and wipes the feet of Jesus in John 12. The connection between Mary and Jesus’s feet is significant.

As Mary sits at Jesus’s feet, Martha finds herself “distracted by her many tasks” (Luke 10:40). Consumed by worry and anxiety, Martha demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her. Feeling justified, Martha receives an answer from Jesus she surely did not anticipate. Jesus commends Mary for sitting at his feet, inviting Martha to consider the way in which she serves.

Digging Deeper: Mary and Martha as Disciples of Jesus

The significance of mary at the feet of jesus.

Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying” (Luke 10:39). Without understanding the cultural context, we might miss the profundity of Mary’s posture. In Jewish tradition, “sitting at the feet” was what a disciple did. In Acts 22:3, the apostle Paul tells us that he was educated “at the feet of Gamaliel.” Gamaliel, an esteemed rabbi in Israel, trained Paul who would later self-describe as a “Pharisee of Pharisees” (Acts 23:6; cf. Philippians 3:5). 

Mary sits at the feet of her rabbi, Jesus. Since this was the posture assumed by a disciple, we can safely conclude that Mary was a disciple of Jesus. Mary, a woman in a male-dominated world, yet a disciple! Scandalous and profound, indeed! Jesus’s affirmation of Mary’s posture reveals his acceptance of Mary as a legitimate disciple. Jesus welcomes women to learn at his feet. 

Learning from both Mary and Martha

At first glance, we might assume this story invites us to be either a Mary or a Martha. We ask, “Does a disciple sit at Jesus’s feet or serve?” While this may seem like the main point the passage is making, a clue to a deeper meaning may lie in a small word in verse 39 that is often left out in translation: the Greek word “kai,” translated into English as “also.” A more literal, word-for-word translation would read like this: “And she had a sister called Mary, who also having sat at the feet of the Lord, was listening to his word.” 

What might “also” be referring to here? We might consider it to mean that Mary also served. Or, perhaps the word communicates that Martha “also”—just like her sister Mary—sat at Jesus’s feet. This could mean that, in general, they both sat at Jesus’s feet when he came around, but this time, it was only Mary. Either way, Jesus does not condemn Martha, nor does he pit the sisters against each other. Jesus seizes a teachable discipleship moment. 

Disciples are not called to either sit or serve but are called to both sit and serve.  

Was this distracted state Martha’s characteristic way of serving? Perhaps, given Jesus’s pointed answer to her demand. The word “distracted” means to be drawn away, driven about mentally, over-occupied. Very literally, it means to be pulled and dragged in different directions. Martha’s distraction leads to a sense of aloneness and self-righteousness, to self-focus and questions about Jesus’s care.

Martha’s distraction leads to five Ds: 

• Disbelief – Martha asks, “Do you not care…?”
• Defensiveness – Martha defends her place: “My sister has left me to serve alone.”
• Dismissiveness – Martha depersonalizes Mary as “my sister,” as though Mary is not even there. 
• Demands – Martha flat out says to Jesus, “ Tell her to help me.”
• Desperation – Martha attempts to control the situation—and Jesus—with her comment about being alone. 

Martha’s distracted serving led her to a place she did not want to go. Martha surely regrets the way she speaks to Jesus. We hear him lovingly acknowledge the state of her heart when with tender repetition Jesus says, “Martha, Martha.” Jesus invites her to consider a way of serving that is without distraction or self-righteousness. In Martha’s mind, she seems to have no choice but to serve alone with much worry. Jesus reminds her that she does have a choice. Martha can spend time doing the one “needed” and “necessary” thing from which all else flows.  

She Is Called and We Are Called

Jesus did not acquiesce to Mary’s sitting at his feet. He unequivocally applauds it. Jesus affirms Mary as his disciple as well as her choice to abide with him. Jesus declares that “one thing” is needed as his disciple: a kind of attentiveness to Jesus that glories in his presence, a serving that bears eternal fruit.

Not long after visiting Mary and Martha, Jesus uses a vine as a teaching metaphor (John 15). As he walks through the grapevines of the Kidron Valley, Jesus emphatically endorses a choice like Mary’s. He instructs the disciples how to live without his physical presence. The key, he says, is abiding in him and allowing his words to abide in them. For apart from Jesus, they will not be able to do anything of kingdom value. It is to the Father’s glory that they bear much fruit. Mary models that fruit will not be born apart from remaining in Jesus. 

Yet and still, each of us needs to be a Mary and a Martha. As disciples, we are called both to sit and to serve. We are called both to abide and to bear fruit. We sit and hear Jesus’s word. We bow at his feet in worship. We kneel before him in prayer. In all these ways, we follow after Mary’s example at the feet of Jesus. It is in this place that we find the discernment, clarity, wisdom, strength, and courage to bring Christ’s loving presence into the world.

In our desire to follow God’s call by serving him with everything we have, we can easily find ourselves overcommitted, “worried and troubled about many things.” Distracted. In a culture that exalts multitasking and a “we-can-do-it-all” mentality, we have a teacher who invites us to learn his way and adopt his priorities. This one, who Paul says “ascended on high … and gave gifts,” gives each of us gifts for such a time to best express God’s love in our appointed generation (Ephesians 4:8, NIV). 

We each have our uniquely given expression in the body of Christ. If we are all trying to do it all , we are driven to distraction. Instead, we remain and abide in Jesus by sitting at his feet. We receive and absorb his love. We hear Jesus’s word, and these words remain in us. For apart from him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). 

Related: Finding Ways to Accept God’s Gift of Sabbath Rest

Friends, how will you choose to serve? Many of us find ourselves mostly like Martha. We can learn from Mary. Distraction is sometimes translated as “cumbered.” “Cumbered” speaks to hindrance, hampering, and obstruction. How might our hampered and hindered lives stand as an obstruction to the lasting fruit Christ desires to bear in and through us? What might it look like for us to abide at the feet of Jesus and to receive his invitation to be un encumbered by the weight of self-imposed responsibility, anxiety, and control? 

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). 

How fitting are these words! The one who sits at the rabbi’s feet learns the rabbi’s yoke. The rabbi’s yoke was a way of living and being in the world. Jesus’s yoke is easy and light. With Jesus’s yoke, there is work and there is rest. Jesus invites you: “Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how … Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message ).

Discussion Questions

• Do you most identify with Martha or Mary?
• What tends to distract and pull you away from Jesus? What is the result when you are distracted with much serving?
• How is “sitting at Jesus’s feet” viewed by the culture and world around us? How about by the Church?
• What surprised you in this Bible study session?
• What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community?

[1] Ben Witherington, Women and the Genesis of Christianity (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1990), 99.

Michelle Christy is a speaker who passionately and faithfully leads others to personal and transforming encounters with God through the study of his Word. She brings almost 25 years of experience to her inspirational speaking and Bible teaching ministry, Defining Word. Michelle has spoken nationally and internationally, and thousands have experienced her sincere and natural style inviting them to a deeper relationship with God in Christ Jesus. Her Bible studies include The Goodness of God in the Waiting Rooms of Life, Defining Words for Daddy’s Daughters, and When Jesus Sees. For the last two years, she has also been serving as director of adult discipleship at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Michelle’s husband and her three adult children describe her with one word: intentional. Michelle is learning to be less of a striver and more of an abider.

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Luke 10:38–42

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38  Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40  But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41  But the Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and distracted by many things ; 42  there is need of only one thing . l Mary has chosen the better part , which will not be taken away from her .”

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Luke 10:38–42 — The New International Version (NIV)

41  “ Martha , Martha ,” the Lord answered, “ you are worried and upset about many things , 42  but few things are needed — or indeed only one . Mary has chosen what is better , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — English Standard Version (ESV)

38  Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41  But the Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are anxious and troubled about many things , 42  but one thing is necessary . Mary has chosen the good portion , which will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — King James Version (KJV 1900)

38  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 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 chosen that good part , which shall not be taken away from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — New Living Translation (NLT)

41  But the Lord said to her, “ My dear Martha , you are worried and upset over all these details ! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about . Mary has discovered it , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — The New King James Version (NKJV)

41  And Jesus answered and said to her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and troubled about many things . 42  But one thing is needed , and Mary has chosen that good part , which will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — New Century Version (NCV)

41  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42  Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — American Standard Version (ASV)

38  Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word. 40  But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41  But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha , Martha , thou art anxious and troubled about many things : 42  but one thing is needful : for Mary hath chosen the good part , which shall not be taken away from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)

38  And it came to pass as they went that he entered into a certain village; and a certain woman, Martha by name, received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also, having sat down at the feet of Jesus was listening to his word. 40  Now Martha was distracted with much serving, and coming up she said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Speak to her therefore that she may help me. 41  But Jesus answering said to her, Martha , Martha , thou art careful and troubled about many things ; 42  but there is need of one , and Mary has chosen the good part , the which shall not be taken from her .

Luke 10:38–42 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

41  The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha! You worry and fuss about a lot of things. 42  There’s only one thing you need.Mary has made the right choice, and that one thing will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:38–42 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

41  The Lord answered her, “ Martha , Martha , you are worried and upset about many things , 42  but one thing is necessary . Mary has made the right choice , and it will not be taken away from her .”

Luke 10:38–42 — The Lexham English Bible (LEB)

38  Now as they traveled along, he entered into a certain village. And a certain woman named Martha welcomed him. 39  And she had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the feet of Jesus and was listening to his teaching. 40  But Martha was distracted with much preparation, so she approached and said, “Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me alone to make preparations? Then tell her that she should help me!” 41  But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things ! 42  But few things are necessary, or only one thing , for Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)

41  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things. 42  But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better. And it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38–42 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)

42  but only one thing is necessary , for Mary has chosen the good part , which shall not be taken away from her .”

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Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 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 chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Other Translations of Luke 10:38-42

New international version.

38  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41   "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42   but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Some manuscripts "but only one thing is needed" Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

English Standard Version

38  Now as they went on their way, Jesus Greek he entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." 41  But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42   but one thing is necessary. Some manuscripts few things are necessary, or only one Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

The Message

38  As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. 39  She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. 40  But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." 41  The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. 42  One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

New King James Version

38  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." 41  And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

New Living Translation

38  As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39  Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40  But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." 41  But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 10:38-42

Commentary on luke 10:38-42.

(Read Luke 10:38-42 )

A good sermon is not the worse for being preached in a house; and the visits of our friends should be so managed, as to make them turn to the good of their souls. Sitting at Christ's feet, signifies readiness to receive his word, and submission to the guidance of it. Martha was providing for the entertainment of Christ, and those that came with him. Here were respect to our Lord Jesus and right care of her household affairs. But there was something to be blamed. She was for much serving; plenty, variety, and exactness. Worldly business is a snare to us, when it hinders us from serving God, and getting good to our souls. What needless time is wasted, and expense often laid out, even in entertaining professors of the gospel! Though Martha was on this occasion faulty, yet she was a true believer, and in her general conduct did not neglect the one thing needful. The favour of God is needful to our happiness; the salvation of Christ is needful to our safety. Where this is attended to, all other things will be rightly pursued. Christ declared, Mary hath chosen the good part. For one thing is needful, this one thing that she has done, to give up herself to the guidance of Christ. The things of this life will be taken away from us, at the furthest, when we shall be taken away from them; but nothing shall separate from the love of Christ, and a part in that love. Men and devils cannot take it away from us, and God and Christ will not. Let us mind the one thing needful more diligently.

More Commentaries for Luke 10

• John Darby’s Synopsis
• McGarvey and Pendleton
• The Geneva Study Bible
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
• Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
• B. W. Johnson’s Bible Commentary
• John Lightfoot’s Bible Commentary
• Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete)
• Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

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December 13, 2016

The Gospel for Mary and Martha

Martha gets a bum rap.

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. While Martha bustles around preparing food for their guest, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to him. When Martha complains that she’s doing all the work, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

Most analyses of this passage end with the admonition to “be a Mary, not a Martha.” Women are especially plagued by this notion, often caveman-like in its simplicity: “Martha bad. Mary good.”

Now, I’m not contradicting Jesus here. Martha got it wrong—that time. But it doesn’t follow that Mary was a better person, or a more devoted follower of Jesus. Another Bible story offers a side-by-side view of Mary and Martha: the events leading to the raising of Lazarus in John 11.

A Different View of the Sisters

Jesus receives word that Lazarus is ill to the point of death. Instead of going to the aid of his friend, however, Jesus delays. When he finally does arrive, Lazarus has already died. The moment she learns of Jesus’ arrival, Martha rushes to him. In the midst of her grief, she makes a remarkable statement of deep faith: “Martha then said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you’” (John 11:21-22).

Where is Mary? In the house, mourning. She doesn’t come to Jesus until he calls for her (v. 29). She doesn’t make a great claim of faith like Martha. She isn’t there to hear one of Jesus’s most remarkable claims about himself, in verses 25-26: “I AM the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

Mourning is not a sin. Neither is housework. I’m not highlighting these events to turn people against Mary in favor of Martha. Both were devoted followers of Christ. Neither of them were perfect.

We Need Martha and Mary

Martha is a “doer.” She has a take-charge attitude, and she will do whatever needs to be done. But when the chips are down and there’s nothing left to do, she knows that she can turn to Jesus. She loves to serve others—we see her three times in the Gospels, serving every time. She speaks her mind. Martha is dependable. If you need Martha to be somewhere, she’s probably already there, getting things done.

Mary is a woman of few words. She is not a typical leader, but she is a devoted follower. She doesn’t offer the kind of service or action that other people do, but she does offer herself, and she’s capable of tremendously beautiful acts of worship.

We need both Marys and Marthas. Say there’s a death in your family. Mary will sit with you and put her arms around you while you weep. But you still have to eat. Martha’s the one who brings you food, and makes sure someone waters the plants and walks the dog. Both of them are loving you. You need them both.

I can easily spend an hour or more in devotions every morning. Sometimes I have to force myself to stop studying Scripture so I can get other things done. That sounds very holy and spiritual, doesn’t it? But what if it makes me late for work? What if guests are coming and my wife is left to do all the cleaning herself? What if I really needed to take the car to the shop—and now there’s no time?

The issue isn’t only whether Jesus is a higher priority. Of course he is. But Jesus would never want me to sit there reading all day while my house falls apart and my wife feels abandoned. Devotion can be an excuse for laziness, and allowing my life to become that imbalanced would not please the Lord.

Worship in All Things

We are admonished in Scripture to do all things to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Is Christ less present in my life while I’m making the bed than when I’m reading the Bible? No. The life of the Christian should be characterized by worship in all things, not just obviously religious activity.

In Luke 10, Jesus doesn’t scold Martha for working around the house; that’s not the issue. The one necessary thing was attention and devotion to him. Mary could’ve been letting her mind wander while Jesus was speaking to her, just as Martha could’ve continued cooking and cleaning and setting a nice table as an honorable offering to Jesus.

But Martha expresses consternation with Mary, and that’s when Jesus rebukes her. Sitting at his feet isn’t holier than cooking in the kitchen. Jesus tells Martha not to worry about Mary, but to follow him while she cooks and cleans.

The Gospel for Mary and Martha

The Christian life is not a competition to see who the “best” Christian is. We all sin and fall short. Rather, it is a turning of all our earthly deeds and passions toward the Lord Jesus Christ. So if you’re a Martha, stay a Martha! She was no less devoted to Jesus than Mary. Love him in your work—do it with all your heart!

The good news of Jesus Christ is for all those who know their need for him. Mary is not our standard of living any more than the many other notable figures in the Bible story. I checked, and Hebrews 12:2 says quite clearly that it is Jesus who is the perfecter of our faith.

Whether you are a Martha or a Mary, look to Jesus, and follow him.

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Joel stucki.

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Mary and Martha

• Mary Ann Beavis

In the Gospels, the sisters Mary and Martha are mentioned only in Luke and John, but they figure prominently in many early and medieval Christian traditions.

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Did You Know?

• Mary and Martha are identified as “loved” by Jesus in John 11:5.
• Luke doesn’t say that Martha was doing housework.
• In the Western church, Mary of Bethany was confused with Mary Magdalene.
• Mary and Martha are the original “apostles to the apostles.”
• Mary of Bethany is the woman who anointed Jesus.
• In early Christian writings and artifacts, Mary and Martha are portrayed at the cross and at the empty tomb.
• Martha was portrayed as a dragon-tamer in medieval legend.
• Mary and Martha are among the holy myrrh-bearing women in the Orthodox Church.

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Mary and Martha are not frequently mentioned in the New Testament, but their names are well known. The most famous story about them appears in Luke 10:38-42, but they also figure prominently in John 11:1-12:8 and in many postbiblical traditions. Although contemporary understandings of their significance to the early church have been eclipsed by the scholarly preoccupation with Mary Magdalene, they were highly revered by ancient Christians, and their role in the Gospels and beyond is starting to be recognized.

Who are Mary and Martha in the Bible?

Luke 10:38-42 portrays Jesus visiting the house of Martha (compare John 12:1, which has the meeting take place at the house of Lazarus, who is not mentioned in Luke’s story). Her sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’ feet listening to him. Martha, “distracted by her many tasks,” asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus replies: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

When most people read this story, they often imagine a harried housewife complaining about her lazy sister. Jesus’ gentle rebuke reminds his audience to attend to what’s important—his presence. However, Martha is not shown doing housework, and Jesus doesn’t specify what the “one thing…the better part” is. Rather, Martha is a householder who hosts Jesus; she is engaged in much “work” or, better, “service” (Greek: diakonian ). By contrast, Luke depicts Mary as a disciple sitting at Jesus’ feet. Both women are engaged in different aspects of ministry, or ways of following Jesus and his teachings. The story illustrates how householders should treat visiting teachers. Mary Stromer Hanson observes that it isn’t even clear that Mary is in the house with Martha and Jesus; possibly, Martha’s complaint is that Mary’s discipleship has taken her away from home.

John 11:1-12:8 also features the sisters. Here, they are located in Bethany, and the story revolves around Jesus’ raising of their brother, Lazarus, from the dead. We are told that Jesus loved all three siblings (John 11:5), the only people mentioned by name in the Gospel as being loved by Jesus. Both women figure significantly in the story: Martha confesses that Jesus is the Messiah (John 11:27), and Mary’s tears prompt Jesus to raise Lazarus (John 11:28-44). In gratitude, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume at a banquet where “Martha served” (John 12:2). Here, Judas criticizes her for wasting money, but Jesus commends her. All four Gospels contain stories of a woman who anoints Jesus; only John names her as Mary of Bethany.

Who are Mary and Martha in Christian Tradition?

The sisters appear in many postbiblical traditions. Early Christians often interpreted Luke 10:38-42 as depicting active (Martha) and contemplative (Mary) vocations. Some later texts and artifacts depict the sisters at the cross and resurrection. The first usage of the title “apostle to the apostles” (third century) refers to Martha and Mary, not to Mary Magdalene. This tradition endures in the Orthodox icon of the holy myrrh-bearing women, including Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene.

The gospels name only one Martha, but multiple Marys: Mary of Nazareth (Jesus’ mother), Mary of Bethany (Martha’s sister), and Mary Magdalene. Because of their similar names, early Christians sometimes confused Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany. Contemporary scholars have perpetuated the confusion by identifying the Mary mentioned in some ancient texts (such as the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Thomas ) as Mary Magdalene. However, in these texts, Mary is often not called “Magdalene”; she appears with Martha, she poses at Jesus’ feet; she is criticized by a disciple; she is defended by Jesus or a disciple; and she is a beloved disciple, commended by Jesus. That is, the woman called simply “Mary” is portrayed more like Mary of Bethany than Mary Magdalene. These texts portray Mary in many roles, from the woman who receives special revelations to miracle-working missionary and Eucharistic minister (see Beavis 2013).

Because the gospels mention so many women named Mary—and it’s hard to know which one is which—later Christians tended to conflate or compress them all into a single figure. Eastern Christians resisted this conflation, traditionally regarding the two Marys as distinct saints. In the West, however, Pope Gregory the Great pronounced, in the sixth century, that the “sinner” Mary who anointed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50) was Mary Magdalene rather than Mary of Bethany. A popular medieval French legend spread this idea, portraying Martha, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarus as missionaries to southern France, where Mary preached and performed miracles and Martha saved the village of Tarascon from a dragon, taming it with a cross and holy water. Many Christians—especially in France—continue to believe that Mary and Martha are buried in France, far from their native Bethany.

Bibliography

• Beavis, Mary Ann. “Mary of Bethany and the Hermeneutics of Remembrance.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 75 (2013): 739-55.
• Beavis, Mary Ann. “Reconsidering Mary of Bethany.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 74 (2012): 281-97.
• Peters, Diane E. The Many Faces of Martha of Bethany . Ottawa: Novalis, 2008.
• Hanson, Mary Stromer. The New Perspective on Mary and Martha . Eugene, Ore.: Wipf & Stock, 2013.

Mary Ann Beavis is professor of religion and culture at St. Thomas More College, the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of many articles and several books, most recently a commentary on the Gospel of Mark (Baker, 2012).

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6 Things to Know about Mary and Martha in the Bible

The names of Mary and Martha are names that many people are familiar with. When Martha is spoken of, she is often scorned for being too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet while Mary is often praised for doing the opposite. Beyond that are there any other things to know about Mary and Martha? In the Bible, two of the most well-known mentions of Mary and Martha are found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John. Using these two passages primarily, here are six things to know about Mary and Martha in the Bible.

1. They were loved by Jesus.

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus ." – John 11:5

Perhaps the most obvious thing to know about Mary and Martha in the Bible is they were loved by Jesus. We know that Jesus loves everyone because that is his nature. However, there are very few places in Scripture that highlight this level of love on such a personal level. What this tells me is that Jesus had more than just a casual relationship with Mary and Martha. They truly held a special place in his heart. This relationship extended not just to Mary and Martha but also to their brother Lazarus. We see this especially when Lazarus dies and Jesus’ emotional response when he arrives at the tomb of Lazarus. I am not sure how this relationship formed or developed, but we know these people were special to Jesus.

2. They were possibly part of a Jewish sect called the Essenes.

Since Mary and Martha lived in Bethany, it is possible they belonged to a Jewish sect known as the Essenes. One of the hallmarks of this community is their devotion to serving the poor and caring for the sick. Here is a quote from the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies on this place in Bethany.

“Bethany was not far from Jerusalem (there was also a Bethany across the Jordan river). There are many reasons to think it was a very special village. It is likely that this village served as one of the Jewish Essene diaconal centers. These centers were spread throughout the ancient Jewish world. Essenes (a Jewish sect) were known for their commitment to serve the poor and sick.”

It is not far-fetched to believe Mary and Martha were part of this community even though the Bible does not say this explicitly, we can make this assertion from a historical context.

3. They were well respected in the community.

"On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother." – John 11:17-19

It appears from this verse that Mary and Martha and their family were well respected in the Jewish community. Upon news of her brother’s death, the Bible tells us that many Jews had come to comfort them. This could be because they were part of the Essene sect mentioned above and if they weren’t then it’s possible Lazarus was. Either way, many Jews came to comfort them after the death of their brother.

4. We are not sure how old they were.

One thing we don’t know about Mary and Martha in the Bible is how old they were. There is no way of definitively determining their age, but here are some clues that might help get us in the ballpark. In the mentions of Mary and Martha in the Bible, there is no mention of husbands or children. In the Jewish culture of that day women were often married during their teenage years. Also because of the way the culture was designed, it was rare in those days for a woman to be unmarried. This can lead to a few conclusions. They may have been widowed or if they did indeed belong to the Essene sect, then they could have taken a vow of celibacy which was part of the practice of this group.

It is also safe to assume that Lazarus was their younger brother which could be why they were so concerned when he got sick and died. Had they been much older and Lazarus much older I wonder if there would have been that same sense of urgency.

5. They were possibly women of financial means.

If Mary and Martha did not belong to the Essene sect, then it is possible they were women of financial means. There are two things we know about Mary and Martha in the Bible that could lead to this conclusion.

The first one is the dinner given to Jesus in his honor. "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 the fragrance of the perfume." – John 12:1-3

At this dinner, Mary opens an expensive bottle of perfume which was worth one year’s wages. Estimates say this perfume was worth three hundred denarii and considering that a typical day laborer worked for one denarius per day, this was a very expensive perfume. A perfume that expensive was either gifted to Mary or she purchased it. If she purchased it, that could point to the financial viability Mary and Martha possessed.

The second is when Jesus visits their home. "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

As I mentioned earlier this is the one story most people know about Mary and Martha in the Bible. It is in this passage in Luke where Martha is serving, and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus. How then does this potentially speak to their financial position? Simply the fact that Martha was able to host Jesus and his disciples in her home can speak to the size of her home and her ability to provide food for a group of this size. I am not trying to say Mary and Martha were rich and loaded, I am simply looking at the evidence and drawing out some possibilities.

On a side note, Martha was likely the older of the two sisters because when we talk about Mary and Martha in the Bible, Martha is usually mentioned first. Also, when Jesus went to visit them, the Bible says he went to visit the home of Martha, not Mary. It appears that Martha owned the home and her younger sister Mary lived with her. 

6. Martha was a woman of great faith.

We often give Martha a hard time because of the incident in Luke 10 . But when you compare that story to another mention of Mary and Martha in the Bible, what you see is that Martha had a real gift of hospitality. What we often don’t recognize is that Martha also had great faith and was sure of who Jesus was. Let’s go back to John 11 and I want you to pay attention to this exchange between Martha and Jesus.

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

"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 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.” – John 11:20-27

Look at all the points of faith and belief Martha speaks. She was confident in Jesus’ ability to heal her brother and even though he was dead she was confident he could raise him from the dead. She fully believed in the resurrection of the dead and the hope of eternal life. Finally, she made a confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. I know Martha gets a lot of grief, but clearly, she was a woman of great faith.

When you think about Mary and Martha, we should acknowledge both of these women for their great faith. They were both committed to the cause of Christ; they were both loved by Jesus, and they were both true believers. These women were friends of Jesus and should be celebrated because clearly, they held a special place in his heart.

Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash

Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World Sample

The Living Room Intimacy Mary enjoyed with Jesus will never come out of the busyness of Martha’s Kitchen. Busyness, by itself, breeds distraction. Luke 10:38 shows us a woman with the gift of hospitality. Martha opened her home to Jesus, but that doesn’t automatically mean she opened her heart. In her eagerness to serve Jesus, she almost missed the opportunity to know Jesus. 

Luke tells us that “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Keyword: had . In Martha’s mind, nothing less than the very best would do. She had to go all out for Jesus. 

We can get caught in the same performance trap, feeling as though we must prove our love for God by doing great things for Him. So we rush past the intimacy of the Living Room to get busy for Him in the Kitchen—implementing great ministries and wonderful projects, all in an effort to spread the good news. We do all our works in His name. We call Him “Lord, Lord.” But in the end, will He know us? Will we know Him? 

The kingdom of God, you see, is a paradox. While the world applauds achievement, God desires companionship. The world clamors, “Do more! Be all that you can be!” But our Father whispers, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). 

E.M. Bounds writes, “God’s acquaintance is not made hurriedly. He does not bestow His gifts on the casual or hasty comer and goer. To be much alone with God is the secret of knowing Him and of influence with Him.” 

God isn’t looking as much for workers as He is looking for sons and daughters—a people to pour His life into. 

When are you most likely to get caught in the performance trap—with church, school, parenting, work? In what ways does the world applaud your achievements in those areas? How would your perspective on your accomplishments change if you focused first on God’s desire for your companionship?

Psalms 46:10

Matthew 11:28-29

About this Plan

Often we feel as if we’re not doing enough. Then we feel guilty because we’re supposed to be having quiet times with God too—but when we try to slow down, our hearts and minds are still busy. The story of Mary and Martha ...

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