Praying for the world · Sharing the hope of the Cross and the power of the Resurrection Prayer request Give
Name means
'lady' or 'mistress' (Aramaic)
Role
Friend of Jesus; sister of Mary and Lazarus
When
c. AD 29-30

What they did

She received Jesus into her house and was busy serving; when Lazarus died she met Jesus, heard him say 'I am the resurrection, and the life', and confessed him as the Christ, the Son of God.

Why it matters: the purpose of their role

Her story teaches the priority of sitting at Jesus' feet, and her confession of faith in the face of grief is a model of trust in Christ's power over death.

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11:27 (KJV)

Bible references

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. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 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. And Jesus answered and said unto her, 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 10:38-42 (KJV)
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11:20-27 (KJV)
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. John 12:2 (KJV)

Family

Brothers / sisters
Mary, Lazarus

Jesus loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus (John 11:5).