Who was Martha?
Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, a devoted friend of Jesus known for her busy hospitality — and gently corrected by Jesus for being "anxious and troubled about many things" while her sister chose "the good portion."
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and served. Her instinct to serve was good; her anxiety and resentment were not (Luke 10:38–42).
Yet Martha also made one of the great confessions of faith: at Lazarus’ tomb she declared, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God" (John 11:27).
Martha shows that faithful service must flow from sitting at Jesus’ feet first. Busy hands are good; an anxious heart needs his peace.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.