Martha and Mary: Sisters of Lazarus, Close to Jesus

Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, are notable figures in the New Testament, particularly for their close relationship with Jesus. They are remembered for their distinct personalities and their significant interactions with Jesus, including the famous episode where Jesus raises their brother Lazarus from the dead.

Quick Facts

1. Sisters of Lazarus: Martha and Mary lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, with their brother Lazarus.
2. Close to Jesus: They were close friends of Jesus, and their home was a place where He often stayed.
3. Distinct Personalities: Martha is often depicted as active and service-oriented, while Mary is portrayed as contemplative and devoted to learning from Jesus.
4. Hosting Jesus: In a famous story, Martha is busy preparing food while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching.
5. Raising of Lazarus: Both sisters play a key role in the narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating their faith and trust in Him.
6. Faith and Confession: Martha’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah is a significant moment in the Gospel of John.
7. Anointing of Jesus: Mary is also remembered for anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair, an act of deep devotion.

Close Relationship with Jesus

Martha and Mary, along with their brother Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus. Their home in Bethany was a place of refuge for Jesus and His disciples, indicating a deep bond of friendship and hospitality (Luke 10:38-42).

Distinct Personalities and Roles

Martha is often depicted as the practical and service-oriented sister. In Luke 10:38-42, she is busy with the preparations for hosting Jesus and His disciples. Mary, on the other hand, is portrayed as more contemplative, choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching. This episode highlights the balance between service and contemplation in the life of a believer. Jesus gently reminds Martha that Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her, emphasizing the importance of spiritual nourishment over busyness.

Raising of Lazarus

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is one of the most powerful narratives in the New Testament (John 11:1-44). When Lazarus fell ill, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, trusting in His ability to heal their brother. Despite their grief when Lazarus died, both sisters exhibited remarkable faith. Martha’s interaction with Jesus before Lazarus was raised is particularly significant. She expressed her faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God (John 11:27), a confession that underscores her deep belief in His divine authority. Mary’s weeping at Jesus’ feet moved Him deeply, leading to one of the most poignant moments in the Gospels: Jesus wept (John 11:35).

Anointing of Jesus

Mary is also remembered for her act of devotion in anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair (John 12:1-8). This event, which took place shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, is a powerful symbol of her love and reverence for Him. Despite criticism from some of the disciples, Jesus defended her actions, acknowledging that she had anointed Him in preparation for His burial.

Theological Themes

1. Faith and Confession: Martha’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah is a significant theological moment, highlighting her belief in His power over life and death.
2. Devotion and Worship: Mary’s actions exemplify deep devotion and worship, emphasizing the importance of placing Jesus above all material concerns.
3. Service and Contemplation: The contrasting roles of Martha and Mary illustrate the balance between active service and contemplative devotion in the Christian life.
4. Resurrection and Life: The raising of Lazarus serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death and a foretaste of the resurrection.

Legacy and Impact

Martha and Mary’s stories have had a lasting impact on Christian thought and practice. Their interactions with Jesus offer rich insights into faith, devotion, and the nature of discipleship. Their legacy continues to inspire believers to seek a balance between service and worship, to express their faith boldly, and to demonstrate deep devotion to Jesus.

Conclusion

Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus known for their distinct personalities and significant interactions with Him. Their stories of faith, devotion, and the raising of Lazarus offer profound lessons on discipleship, service, and worship.