A friend of Jesus, and sister of Mary and Lazarus from Bethany.
About Martha
The sister of Mary and Lazarus and a friend of Jesus. Martha’s family lived in Bethany, a small town on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Luke tells about a time when Martha was busy preparing and serving food while her sister Mary sat listening to Jesus teach. Martha came to Jesus and complained that Mary was not helping her. Jesus responded gently: "You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41–42). In saying this, Jesus challenged Martha’s worry, showing her that spending time with him is the most important and rewarding priority.
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Father of Lazarus
- Half-siblings 2
- Mary (of Bethany), Lazarus
Key References
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
All Scripture References (12)
Luke (3)
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things.
John (9)
At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother.
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met Him.
“Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”
So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.