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. Luke 10:38 NLT
I’m not sure how many times I’ve read this passage, but I was today-years-old when it sunk in that it was Martha’s house. Not Lazarus’ or Mary’s, but Martha’s house. And she welcomed Jesus and his disciples into her home. No wonder she felt stressed and distracted. We don’t know the exact number of guests that she received that day. But we know they just stopped by on their way to Jerusalem. I’m positive Jesus knew He would stop there, but Martha may not have known His plans.
A woman named Martha
It fascinates me to see women named in scripture. And here, the village isn’t named, but the woman is. Our names set us apart, help define us, and acknowledge us as unique individuals. Knowing Martha’s name shows the significance of her role in this interaction with Jesus. It wasn’t just anyone’s house; it was Martha’s house.
Welcoming and Receiving
Martha received Jesus under her personal responsibility and care. Her desire is to care for Jesus through serving His physical needs. Martha chooses to connect with Jesus through accepting the role of Welcoming and Receiving. This type of receiving functions as a “giving” role in relationship with Christ. A role clearly defined and understood according to societal norms of the day. She is the head of this household and she set the tone and takes ownership over the care of those she allows to enter her space.
As she fulfills her role she gains insight and experience. In her ‘doing things for Him instead of being with Him’, she still learned from Him. We see in their next encounter just how much she’s grown and gleaned from Jesus.
When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” John 11:20-27 NLT
Martha Went to Be With Jesus
Mary stays in the house while Martha, the welcoming one, goes out to meet Jesus. Who she is, as a receiver, has not changed. But how she converses and connects with Him is different. Her faith, belief, and knowledge of Jesus has matured. I can see that Martha is not a one dimensional figure for us to contrast with Mary. She is a woman whose life story God can use in the fullness of who she is and her individual relationship with Christ. And this gives me hope that growth is possible for all of us!
*For those of you who prayer walk, ponder how much you’ve grown throughout your relationship with Him.