Who Was Martha in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus, known for her hospitality and her encounter with Jesus about choosing the 'good part.'
Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus, known for her hospitality and her encounter with Jesus about choosing the 'good part.'
"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." — Luke 10:41-42 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Martha lived in Bethany with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. She first appears in Luke 10, when Jesus visited her home. While Martha was 'cumbered about much serving,' her sister Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His word. Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus responded with gentle correction: 'Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' Later, when Lazarus fell ill, Martha's faith shone brightly: 'I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.' She declared, 'Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.' Martha's story reminds us that service must flow from devotion, and that Jesus values the heart that seeks Him above all else.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 10:41-42, sits inside Luke 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Supporting Passages
"She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
"There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."
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