Topical Bible: Care: Martha

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Topical Encyclopedia

Martha is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her role in the household of Bethany, where she lived with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus. Her account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, where she is depicted as a woman of action and hospitality, often concerned with the practical aspects of service and care.

Biblical Account

In Luke 10:38-42, Martha is introduced when Jesus visits her home. The passage highlights her dedication to serving and providing for her guests. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.'" This interaction underscores Martha's concern for hospitality and her tendency to be anxious about her responsibilities, contrasting with Mary's focus on spiritual nourishment.

In John 11, Martha's faith and understanding of Jesus' power are further revealed during the account of Lazarus's death and resurrection. When Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus has died, Martha goes out to meet Him, expressing her belief in His ability to heal. John 11:21-27 records her words: "Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha replied, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?' 'Yes, Lord,' she answered, 'I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.'"

Character and Lessons

Martha is often remembered for her diligence and care in serving others, embodying the virtues of hospitality and responsibility. Her account illustrates the balance between service and spiritual devotion, as Jesus gently reminds her of the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns. Her interaction with Jesus in John 11 also highlights her faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating her deep understanding of His divine nature.

Martha's character serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing service with spiritual growth, encouraging believers to focus on what is truly necessary while fulfilling their earthly duties. Her faith in Jesus, even in the face of grief, exemplifies a steadfast trust in His promises and power.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 10:40,41
But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... Martha Yeardley continued very unwell during the autumn, and by the end of the year
her disorder assumed a ... The Lord will care for thee, was her constant reply. ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

At the House of Martha --The Good Shepherd.
... When he left the inn he also left money for his care, with the promise of ... There He
was gladly received into the house of Martha, who prepared the table with ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxix at the house.htm

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
... Now in a few words, it is the "Care of the soul," opposed, as you see in the text,
to the care, the excessive care of the body; to which Martha was gently ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the care of the soul.htm

Martha and Mary. Lk 10:38-42
... Lk 10:38-42. John Newton 8,8,8,8. MARTHA and MARY. Lk 10:38-42. Martha her love
and joy expressed. By care to entertain her guest; While Mary sat to hear her Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 100 martha and mary.htm

Again, on the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 38, Etc. , About Martha ...
... being read, we heard that the Lord was received by a religious woman into her house,
and her name was Martha. And while she was occupied in the care of serving ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon liv again on the.htm

Of the Main Effort Towards the Contemplation of Things and an ...
... she is shown by the Lord to have chosen the better part, and one which should not
be taken away from her: for when Martha was toiling with pious care, and was ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii of the main.htm

Jesus and the Bethany Sisters.
... to Jesus, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone?
bid her therefore that she help me.". I am not sure that Martha was wrong or ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter x jesus and the.htm

Jesus the Guest of Martha and Mary.
... Christ as a Guest, but Mary honored him as a Teacher.] 40 But Martha was cumbered ...
effort]; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxv jesus the guest of.htm

Jesus, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
... 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? ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus martha mary and lazarus.htm

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... what sounds like a querulous complaint: Lord, dost Thou not care that my ... of which
appeared even in the repetition of her name, Martha, Martha - as, similarly ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm