Character Study Of Martha – Sister Of Mary And Lazarus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARTHA – SISTER OF MARY AND LAZARUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 10:38-42

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." – Luke 10:41-42

Supporting Texts: John 11:1-44, John 12:1-2, Matthew 6:33

INTRODUCTION:

Martha was a devoted disciple of Jesus and the sister of Mary and Lazarus. She is often remembered for being busy with household duties while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. However, Martha was also a woman of strong faith who demonstrated great confidence in Jesus, especially at the death of her brother Lazarus. Her life teaches important lessons about service, faith, and the need for balance between work and devotion.

1. MARTHA WAS HOSPITABLE AND SERVICE-ORIENTED

a) She welcomed Jesus into her home (Luke 10:38)

Martha had the honour of hosting Jesus, showing her generosity.

b) She was diligent in serving others (Luke 10:40)

She ensured the physical needs of her guests were met.

c) Hospitality was part of her nature (Romans 12:13)

Scripture encourages believers to show hospitality.

d) Serving is a great virtue, but it must be balanced (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There is a time for work and a time for worship.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham also demonstrated hospitality when he welcomed angels (Genesis 18:1-8).

2. MARTHA STRUGGLED WITH WORRY AND DISTRACTION

a) She was anxious about many things (Luke 10:41)

Jesus gently rebuked her for being overly concerned with serving.

b) She was distracted from the most important thing (Luke 10:42)

She prioritised work over spending time with Jesus.

c) Worry can hinder our relationship with God (Matthew 6:25-27)

Jesus warned against excessive anxiety.

d) Trusting God brings peace (Philippians 4:6-7)

Instead of worrying, we should pray and trust God.

e) Biblical Example: Martha’s concern over serving was similar to how the Israelites worried instead of trusting God (Exodus 16:2-4).

3. MARTHA HAD GREAT FAITH IN JESUS

a) She believed Jesus could heal Lazarus (John 11:21-22)

Even in grief, she trusted Jesus' power.

b) She recognised Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:27)

She made a powerful declaration of faith.

c) She acknowledged Jesus’ authority over life and death (John 11:24-25)

She believed in the resurrection through Christ.

d) Her faith led to a great miracle (John 11:39-44)

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

e) Biblical Example: The Canaanite woman also displayed great faith in Jesus (Matthew 15:22-28).

4. MARTHA CONTINUED TO SERVE JESUS AFTER HER LESSON

a) She was present at another gathering with Jesus (John 12:1-2)

She still served but without distraction.

b) She did not abandon her gift of service (1 Peter 4:10)

Service is an important part of Christian life.

c) She learned to balance work and worship (Luke 10:42)

She no longer allowed service to distract her from Jesus.

d) Serving God should come from a heart of love (Colossians 3:23-24)

Our service should be for God’s glory, not just duty.

e) Biblical Example: Dorcas (Tabitha) also served God through her acts of kindness (Acts 9:36-39).

5. MARTHA TEACHES US THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE

a) Work and worship must go together (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There is a time for serving and a time for listening to God.

b) Spiritual growth comes from prioritising God’s Word (Psalm 1:2)

Spending time with Jesus is crucial.

c) Faith should be demonstrated through action (James 2:17)

Martha not only believed but acted in faith.

d) A heart of service should not replace devotion to Christ (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Love for God must come first.

e) Biblical Example: The early church believers balanced service and spiritual devotion (Acts 2:42-47).

STRENGTHS OF MARTHA

a) She was hospitable and generous (Luke 10:38)

She welcomed Jesus into her home.

b) She was hardworking and diligent (Proverbs 31:27)

She was responsible and took her duties seriously.

c) She had strong faith in Jesus (John 11:21-27)

She believed in His power even in difficult times.

d) She was willing to learn and grow (Luke 10:41-42)

She adjusted her priorities after Jesus’ correction.

e) She continued serving God with a better understanding (John 12:2)

She maintained her gift but with the right focus.

WEAKNESSES OF MARTHA

a) She was overly anxious and distracted (Luke 10:40-41)

She allowed worries to overwhelm her.

b) She initially prioritised work over worship (Luke 10:42)

She focused more on service than on Jesus Himself.

c) She questioned Jesus’ timing (John 11:21)

She struggled to understand God’s plan at first.

d) She doubted for a moment when Jesus asked to open Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:39)

Even with faith, she had moments of hesitation.

e) She needed to grow in understanding (John 11:40)

Jesus had to remind her to believe.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF MARTHA

a) Serving God is good, but devotion to Him is better (Luke 10:42)