The other story of Mary and Martha – Martha an example of faith
We often hear the wonderful story of Mary, how she choose to listen to Jesus’ teaching rather than do housework like her sister Martha, and how Jesus commends her for her choice. (Luke 10:38-41). We see Mary as the one who is more mature in the faith and Martha as the one who is less.
But do we ever consider the other story of Mary and Martha? In John 11, Mary and Martha’s dear brother Lazarus has just died. Jesus goes to visit them. In the midst of her grief, Martha greets Jesus with these words.
21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Martha responds to Jesus’ arrival with faith.
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus tells her what seems impossible to many, that her brother will rise again. Once again, Martha responds with faith.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
Jesus states that He is the resurrection and the life. And for the third time, Martha responds with faith.
What do you think Martha’s expressions of faith meant to Jesus?
