Throughout the years in multiple Bible studies and sermons, she has been pictured as the ‘not enough’ woman. Not enough faith. Not enough like her sister, Mary. Not enough commitment to stop everything and listen to Jesus teach.
Yet, I like her. Martha.
Legend says she was a wealthy widow, and it was her home in Bethany where she cared for her siblings, Mary and Lazarus. It was her home where Jesus felt comfortable enough to take a break from ministry — to just ‘be’ for a while. Martha’s home was his retreat center. So why wouldn’t she want it to be just right for the Rabbi? Why wouldn’t she prepare meals ahead of time, make sure all the linens were clean and folded just right? Of course, she would.
Martha was a do-er. As the owner of the home and the matriarch of the family, Martha was the one who organized the household. She got things done. Whether planning how to feed her Savior and his group of rowdy disciples or accomplishing the daily tasks of linen weaving, grape and olive and almond picking, laundry, management of the servants, paying the bills — whatever needed to be done, Martha did it.
Sure, she may have occasionally slipped out of balance. Who doesn’t? But we know of only one incident where she was carried away with the prep of a meal and forgot what was more important.
How many of us would do the same? If I knew Jesus was physically and literally coming to my house tonight, you can bet I would pull out my favorite recipes and make sure the bathrooms were clean. I would inspect the bedroom he might use, spray the house with lavender scent, and put out clean towels for the showers. Sweep the porch. Empty the cat’s litter box. Bake some fresh bread so the aroma smelled inviting. I’m not sure I would take extra time for an hour of prayer and devotion.
Obviously, Martha was the type-A personality. But without the Martha’s of the world, churches could not operate. Non-profits would fold. Corporate businesses that rely on administrative help would be in chaos, and half the governments of the world would be defunct. Martha was an excellent do-er.
Martha was bold. She lived through a terrible tragedy when her brother died. As a widow, she already knew the layers that grief strafes on our hearts. She sent word to Jesus that her brother was sick. She trusted her Yahweh to come and heal this precious loved one.
But Jesus did not arrive in time.
Finally—a long and grievous finally—Jesus did walk into Bethany. Martha marched right up to him and dared to confront him. “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
She was bold enough and close enough to Jesus that she dared to express her anger. Jesus had betrayed the family friendship. She knew Jesus was the ultimate healer, but he didn’t show up in time. He let her beloved brother die.
How many of us have the courage to state how we feel when our prayers go unanswered and the worst happens? Can we be bold about our emotions, yet still faith-filled? We may not have the guts to speak our truth out loud, but we have to admit internally when we feel wounded by the God we love.
Martha was honest and bold enough to state the root of her grief. She knew Jesus loved her enough to allow her anger. And he loved her even more with his response. I admire this woman’s courage and the boldness of her expression.
Martha was chosen. Jesus was not upset with Martha’s authenticity. In fact, he had already planned just how he was going to bless her and Mary. He had a greater miracle in mind. A good thing is not always the best thing. Blessing follows the battle. Resurrection defines the final healing.
Jesus told Martha to simply believe. Then he instructed the people nearby to remove the stone from Lazarus’s grave.
Here we see bold, practical Martha again. “You’re kidding, Jesus. My brother has been dead four days. He’s already stinky.”
We should note that Lazarus stayed in the grave longer than Jesus. An extra day to prolong the point — to make the miracle even more stupendous.
Again, Jesus reminds Martha to believe. Then he calls Lazarus out of that tomb.
Imagine how exciting — how unbelievable — that moment must have been for this amazing woman. Her prayers were answered in a way she could never have imagined. Her brother was alive again. Her faith in Jesus restored. No condemnation for her boldness. Jesus understood Martha’s honesty and chose her to be the recipient of a greater miracle. Hope restored. Faith fulfilled.
God himself gifted, loved, and chose this woman. Let’s give her a break for sometimes acting like a human.
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
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Check out the story of a young girl who also becomes honest and bold. Seeking the Land of Grace.