Martha

The path of Martha

1. With Jesus. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. Luke 10:38
2. With Jesus. While she was serving, she complained that her sister wasn’t helping her. Jesus told her that Mary had chosen the better part. Luke 10:40-42
3. With Jesus. When her brother Lazarus fell ill, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus. John 11:3
4. With Jesus. When she heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. John 11:20
5. With Jesus. She told Jesus she believed he was the Messiah, the Son of God. John 11:27
6. With Jesus. She called her sister Mary aside and told her that the Teacher was there and was asking for her. John 11:28
7. With Jesus. Six days before Passover, at a dinner in Bethany, Martha served. John 12:1-2
8. Afterward. According to Tradition: A French tradition says the three siblings came by sea to Provence. There is no trace of that tradition before the 11th century. Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “St. Lazarus of Bethany”

Words of Martha

“Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me.” Luke 10:40

While she was serving and her sister was listening to Jesus.

“Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” John 11:21-22

When she went out to meet Jesus, after Lazarus had died.

“Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ the Son of the living God, who art come into this world.” John 11:27

When Jesus told her that he is the resurrection and the life.

“The master is come, and calleth for thee.” John 11:28

When she went to call her sister Mary.

“Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he is now of four days.” John 11:39

When Jesus told them to take away the stone from the tomb.

What they were like

• Hardworking and hospitable: she welcomed Jesus into her home. Luke 10:38
• One day she complained to Jesus that her sister wasn’t helping her. Jesus said her name twice, “Martha, Martha,” and told her she was anxious about many things. Luke 10:40-41
• Practical: Jesus told them to take away the stone from the tomb. Martha warned Jesus there would be a smell, because Lazarus had been dead four days. John 11:39

The greatest thing they did

• She told Jesus she believed he was the Messiah, the Son of God. John 11:27

Not to be confused with

• Mary of Bethany: They were sisters. Martha served and went out to meet Jesus. Mary sat listening to Jesus and stayed at home. Luke 10:39-40; John 11:20

In the Church today

Feast day: July 29, Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (memorial). General Roman Calendar; Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America (USCCB); Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, decree of January 26, 2021 (Prot. N. 35/21)

In art, recognized by: A ladle or a bunch of keys, for the work of the house From Lc 10, 40; National Gallery, London, glossary, “Saint Martha”; A dragon, which she overcomes with holy water From a story in the Golden Legend (13th century); National Gallery, London, glossary, “Saint Martha”

Martha in art

What people ask

What did Jesus say to Martha when she complained?

That she was worried about many things, and that Mary had chosen the better part. Luke 10:41-42

Did Martha believe in Jesus?

Yes. She told him she believed he was the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world. John 11:27

Who were Martha’s siblings?

Mary and Lazarus, of Bethany. John 11:1-2

Was Jesus Martha’s friend?

Yes. John says that Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:5

When is Saint Martha’s feast day?

July 29. Since 2021, the Church has celebrated the three siblings together on that day. Congregation for Divine Worship, decree of January 26, 2021

Who Martha is connected to

• Mary of Bethany · sisters
• Lazarus · brother and sister
• Jesus · welcomed him

More people

All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible