Four Martha: Hope for the Overworked: Luke 10:38‑42; John 11:1-44; 12:1-3
MARTHA: HOPE FOR THE OVERWORKED
Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44; 12:1-3
Martha the sister of Mary is naturally a take-charge person, a manager by instinct. We meet Martha first as a hostess. Jesus, we are told, “came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him” (Luke 10:38).
It’s Martha’s home. That probably means that Martha is a widow, because under ordinary circumstances in ancient Palestine a woman wouldn’t own property—but a widow regularly did. Martha has a sister named Mary, who lives with her, and a brother named Lazarus, who also seems to live in the same home.
On this day Martha heard a knock at the door, went to see who it was, and found thirteen unexpected guests: Jesus and his twelve disciples. What does a good hostess do when she finds guests on the doorstep? Without making it obvious that this is a bit of a shock, she takes a deep breath and says, “Why, how nice to see you all. Come in.”
Soon Jesus turns their rest hour into a teaching session. I suppose he sits rabbi-like on a chair in the center of a semicircle of his disciples—or maybe they’re all sitting on the floor. Mary tiptoes in and sits down at one end of the semicircle, while Martha squares her shoulders and heads for the kitchen.
Group Discussion. Who is someone in your life who reminds you of Martha, and what do you appreciate about that person?
Personal Reflection. When and how have you benefited by knowing (or being) someone more like Mary?
Martha revealed her love through busy service to others, which is fine. But she learned from Jesus that it was not enough. Read Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44; 12:1-3.
1. In our first story (Luke 10:38-42), Martha accuses Jesus of something, complains about her sister, and gives Jesus a command. Identify each of these.
2. What do each of Martha’s statements suggest about her need to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
3. When have you felt like your active service to others was neither recognized nor appreciated? How did this make you feel?
4. How does Jesus, in his response, guide Martha toward being a better disciple?
5. What would be your response to Jesus if you were Martha?
6. What scenes from the story in John 11 stand out in your mind?
7. Look at John 11:5-6. Why do you think Jesus stayed where he was after hearing Lazarus was sick?
8. Focus on John 11:17-27. What steps led Martha to her statement of faith in verse 27?
9. Slowly and thoughtfully read Jesus’ words about himself in John 11:25-26. In what particular situations do these words bring you hope?
10. Read John 12:1-3. What expressions of discipleship to Jesus do you see here?
11. As you observe the way each of the three siblings expressed their devotion to Jesus in these verses, which is closest to your own natural expression? Explain.
12. Most people are naturally inclined to express their commitment to Jesus in the practical work of Martha or the passionate devotion of Mary. We all need to learn to be both Mary and Martha—at different times. What steps could you take to develop better discipleship in your weaker area?
Pray, meditating on Christ’s declaration and Martha’s confession in John 11:25-27. Use each phrase as a launch for your own prayer on that subject.
NOW OR LATER
In God’s presence, examine your motives for specific acts of service. Are you looking for recognition and reward? Are you, like Martha, frustrated when people do not take note of your hard work? (Or have you failed to express appreciation for the work of others?) Ask God to purify your motives. Acknowledge that your Lord sees and your Lord cares—regardless of the response of others.