Bible Questions and Answers

What importance did Martha have in the Bible?

Martha appears in the New Testament record on three occasions. In Luke 10, Martha welcomes Jesus into her house. She is a very practical and industrious woman. Her character is contrasted with that of her sister Mary. Luke 10:38-42

In John 11, Martha’s brother, Lazarus, falls ill. In verse 5, John tells us that Jesus loved Martha, which is a high commendation. John 11:1-10 

Lazarus dies and is raised by the Lord. The conversation between Jesus and Martha is very instructive as are the other details of this incident. In verse 20, Martha goes to meet Jesus. She is confident that Jesus could have healed Lazarus and thinks it may still be possible. Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise from the dead. Martha says that she knows that Lazarus will rise again at the last day. This is a confession of her faith. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life for all who believe on him. She then confesses her faith in Jesus being the Christ, the anointed one, promised by the prophets. In verse 28 she goes and fetches her sister Mary and Jesus comes to Lazarus' tomb. In verse 38 when Jesus tells the men to take away the stone from the mouth of the tomb, Mary warns Jesus that decomposition causing a stench will have set in because Lazarus had been dead for four days. God at Jesus’ request restores Lazarus to life. John 11:11-44

In John 12 a week before Jesus' death Martha serves and learns a valuable lesson in the proper priorities of life. John 12:1-8

Martha is shown to be a practical woman of great faith in the future resurrection of the dead and in Jesus as the Messiah. The one whose sacrificial life, death, and resurrection made our resurrection to eternal life possible. Martha understood and believed the Gospel. She serves as an excellent example of faith and service and of spiritual growth.

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn