Michael R. Baggett

Jesus visited in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazurus on many occasions. Each of these friends of Jesus were very special in their own way. What comes to your mind when you think about Mary? I think about her anointing the feet of Jesus. What do you think about when the name Lazarus is mentioned? I think about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Now, what do you think about Martha? Are you thinking, “Oh, she is the one that Jesus said was troubled and distracted about many things.” Did you think something like that? Martha is often stereotyped because Jesus does redirect her anxious thinking. Yes, Martha had her flaws, as we all have them, but, more importantly, Martha's life displays traits of a very faithful disciple.

Who is Martha? Her name appears 13x in the New Testament. Her name means “lady.” She is the only Martha in the Bible.

Who is Martha? Martha has the characteristic of being an overthinker and worrier. When Jesus and His apostles were visiting in the home of Martha and Mary in Luke chapter 10, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus listening to Him teach. Martha is distracted with much serving and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus replies: “...Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). In our introduction to Martha and Mary, Martha seems to pale in comparison to Mary! But let us put this in perspective: Serving a meal is a good thing but listening to Jesus teach is the most important thing! No one can take that away! So, Martha gets a lesson in priorities. Learning from Jesus is greater than preparing and serving a meal.

On another occasion Martha is found overthinking about an unusual event. Martha and Mary had sent for Jesus when Lazarus was sick. Jesus was about 20 miles away and in hiding from the Jew who had recently tried to stone Him. Jesus also knew Lazarus would die so He could raise him from the dead to strengthen the faith of his disciples, so He delayed going to Bethany (John 10:32-11:1-11). When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Now, Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the dead and asks that the stone be removed from the opening of the tomb.

Martha interjects: “...Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” (John 11:39).

Wow! This comment just comes out of the blue like a falling star! This is another “Martha, Martha,” moment. Jesus quickly redirects her thinking to the great event that is about to take place. What event? Jesus is about to restore life to Lazarus her brother. Who cares about the stink? Martha does! Think about it, when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, do you not think He could do so without there being a stink? Regardless of the stink, Jesus sets Martha's priorities on the straight and narrow once again. Martha needs to focus on the great celebration at hand and stop being so easily distracted by petty inconveniences!

Who is Martha? Martha is a woman who has many good attributes of a disciple of Jesus:

--She is hospitable (Luke 10:38).

--She is one who serves others (Luke 10:40; John12:2).

--She has faith that Jesus can make her sick brother well again (John 11: 3, 21).

--She has faith that Jesus can raise Lazarus (John 11:21-23).

--She believes there will be a resurrection in the last day (John 11:21-23).

--Martha is convinced that Jesus is the Christ: “I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:27).

Who is Martha? Martha certainly has her flaws and weaknesses, but is this what Jesus focuses on in her life? Is this what the gospels leave us believing about Martha? Let us be honest, we all are guilty of overthinking, being anxious, and distracted from our what is most important at times. Would you not agree? Martha is a human being just like you and me. But while Jesus knows our flaws, Jesus also knows our hearts and our service for Him (Revelation 2:2).

When you think about Martha, remember her hospitality, service, her great confession of Jesus as the Christ, and admire her firm belief in the resurrection at the last day. Do you display these great attributes of a disciple of Jesus? When you think about Martha's distractions and her overthinking matters remember the lesson Jesus taught her. The real general lesson is this for all of us: “But Rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31).

The cares, worries and concerns we face day to day will soon be gone. Everything will be O.K.  Control your emotions; do not allow them to control you and ruin your quality of life. Our priorities should be put God and His kingdom first. The things we chase after in this life will pass away one day, along with our labors, possessions, hobbies and entertainments. Do not miss out on truly lasting things while pursuing the dissipations of the world.

Chose that good part which cannot be taken away from you.