Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

MARTHA

(Gk. Mártha)

Along with her sister Mary and her brother Lazarus, a close friend and disciple of Jesus (John 11:5). Martha (from Aram. mārṯāʾ, “lady”) appears early in the Gospels as a worried host preoccupied with preparing a meal for Jesus. Her sister had chosen to listen to Jesus’ teachings (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus gently rebukes Martha for being overly concerned about “many things,” whereas only one was necessary. One plausible interpretation is that Martha was trying to prepare a multi-course meal for her honored guest and Jesus was suggesting that only one course was needed. Contrary to many interpreters, there is no comparison in this passage between Mary’s listening to Jesus’ teachings and Martha’s serving. He says that Mary had chosen the “good” part, not the better.

Martha’s next appearance involves the sickness and death of her brother Lazarus. After sending for Jesus she meets him with the gentle rebuke that if he had been there her brother would not have died. Jesus challenges her by asking if she believes that whoever believes in him will never die. She responds with one of the more lofty confessions in all the NT: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one coming into the world” (John 11:27).

In Martha’s final appearance she is serving a meal to Jesus, Lazarus, and other, unnamed guests (John 12:2). Some interpreters locate this meal in the house of Simon the leper, assuming that this story is a variant of Mark 14:3-9. This interpretation is tenuous for at least three reasons: Mark’s time frame is two days before the Passover (Mark 14:1), whereas John’s is six (John 12:1); the woman who anointed Jesus is not named in Mark; and in Mark Jesus’ head is anointed, whereas in John his feet are anointed.

Joe E. Lunceford

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

MARTHA

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)