Topical Bible: Faith: Martha

◄ Faith: Martha ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Martha, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is best known for her interactions with Jesus Christ, which provide profound insights into the nature of faith. She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus and resides in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. Martha's account is primarily found in the Gospels of Luke and John, where her faith and actions are depicted in various contexts.

Hospitality and Service

Martha first appears in the Gospel of Luke, where she welcomes Jesus into her home. Luke 10:38-42 describes the well-known account of Martha's hospitality. While Martha is busy with the preparations, her sister Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening to His teaching. Martha, feeling overwhelmed, approaches Jesus and says, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40). Jesus gently rebukes her, saying, "Martha, Martha, 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).

This passage highlights Martha's dedication to service and hospitality, which are commendable traits. However, it also underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment and faith over worldly concerns. Martha's interaction with Jesus serves as a reminder that faith involves a balance between action and contemplation.

Faith in the Resurrection

Martha's faith is further illustrated in the Gospel of John, particularly in the account of her brother Lazarus's death and resurrection. In John 11, Martha and Mary send word to Jesus that Lazarus is ill. Despite Jesus' delay in coming to Bethany, Martha demonstrates her faith when she meets Him. She expresses her belief in Jesus' power, saying, "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" (John 11:21-22).

Jesus responds with a profound declaration, "Your brother will rise again" (John 11:23). Martha affirms her faith in the resurrection at the last day, saying, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11:24). Jesus then reveals a deeper truth, proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). Martha's response, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world" (John 11:27), is a powerful testament to her faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Witness to a Miracle

Martha's faith is rewarded when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, a miracle that serves as a testament to His divine authority and power over life and death. This event not only strengthens Martha's faith but also serves as a pivotal moment for many who witness it, leading them to believe in Jesus.

Legacy of Faith

Martha's account is a rich tapestry of faith, service, and devotion. Her interactions with Jesus reveal a woman of deep faith, who, despite her initial concerns and distractions, ultimately places her trust in Christ. Her declaration of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and her witness to the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection highlight her as a model of belief and trust in the Lord. Martha's life encourages believers to balance service with spiritual devotion and to maintain faith in the promises of Christ, even in the face of life's challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:27
She said to him, Yes, Lord: I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway.
... public testimony to his truth, be sure to preach the whole gospel, faith in Christ ...
the first which he had undertaken alone since his marriage with Martha Savory ...
/.../chapter xviii death of martha.htm

Unbelief.
... obedient at the feet of Christ, reposing on the sublime aphorism, "All things are
possible to him that believeth." In the mind of Martha, where faith had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xiv unbelief.htm

Lights and Shadows.
... Let us imitate Martha's faith in our approaches to Him. Ah, in our dull
and cold devotions, how little lively apprehension have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vii lights and shadows.htm

The Death of Lazarus. --Christ's Conversation with Martha (John ...
... The intelligence of Christ's approach to Bethany reached Martha sooner than her
less ... Believest thou this?" He intended to teach her that the faith of Lazarus ...
/.../section 232 the death of.htm

His Marriage with Martha Savory.
... in subjection by fervent daily prayer and the obedience of faith, which remain ... The
dwelling which John and Martha Yeardley occupied was on the highest ground ...
/.../chapter vii his marriage with.htm

The Open Grave at Bethany
... But Martha's faith was the condition of her seeing the glory of God in the miracle.
We may see a thousand emanations of that glory, and see none of it. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the open grave at bethany.htm

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... lightsome yoke of Christ, in which the Kingdom of God was of faith, not of ... of Christ's
journey to the Feast of Tabernacles, since the home of Martha and Mary ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm

March the Fourteenth "Even Now!"
... Let me consider this marvellous confession of Martha's faith. ... "I am the resurrection
and the life." A faith like Martha's will always win the Saviour's best. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/march the fourteenth even now.htm

The Voice that Waked the Dead --The Children of the Kingdom.
... When He asked them to take away the stone Martha's faith began to fail; but the
stone was rolled away, and when Jesus had prayed He called with a loud voice,. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the voice that.htm

The Mourner's Creed.
... Was Martha's then a blind unmeaning faith? Far from it. It was nurtured,
doubtless, in that quiet home of holy love, where, while ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ix the mourners creed.htm