Word of the Day: Hostess
A person who acts as a host.
Martha is the only lady in the Bible who carries this name and her name means "lady". She had two siblings Mary and Lazarus. This wealthy family lived at Bethany, and some scholars say that she was the wife or widow of Simon the leper.
Matthew 26:6
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
Martha had a gift, and it was that she enjoyed giving the hospitality to others. Jesus oftentimes came to stay at their house for he found himself welcomed at their house. Martha was someone who did not have a balance, and we sometimes fall into that category.
Luke 10:38
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
These siblings were so privileged as they lodge the King of kings in their house. The Lord stayed at their house every time he was going to visit Jerusalem. This family was a respectable family and each one served the Lord according to their talent. Martha provided a place for the Lord to come and have fellowship with others. Martha was the lady who got up early in the morning to do groceries, clean the house, and cook. She was certainly not a lazy person. We can rest assure that anytime Jesus came to her house, she was not going to be the lady to apologize for having a dirty house. It seems like she had everything under control. Martha was someone who loved her house and loved to host others.
Matthew 21:17
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
John 11:20
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him…
But there was one bad thing in Martha's heart and is when she complained to the Lord about her sister not helping her during the time she was at Jesus' feet. Martha was irritated to know that she had to do everything on her own and blamed Him for her lack of assistance.
Luke 10:40
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Jesus lovingly responded to her by saying "Martha, Martha", Martha was getting anxious and wanted things to be perfect as we all do. In this scene she is described as someone practical but not spiritual. The Lord wants us to have fellowship with Him more than our service to Him, and she had forgotten the main purpose of His visit.
Luke 10:41–42
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Several months later we find Martha shadowed by the illness of her brother Lazarus. The sisters Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus and wanted Him to get to Bethany soon. But the Lord did not arrive on time and when He arrived Lazarus was already dead; and had been buried for four days. Martha blamed Jesus for her brother's death. Here we see that Martha had faith in Him and acknowledged His power over death.
John 11:21
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Martha had forgotten that Jesus was also in the business of making miracles. Lazarus was resurrected from the dead. Martha was troubled, and the Lord loved this family so much as they had close relations with Him. In this chapter is where we find the shortest verse in the Bible.
John 12:1
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
John 11:43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus,come forth.
John 11:35
Jesus wept.
Once again we find Martha doing what she loves to host others. She was a noble lady that used her talent to serve the Lord and the people who accompany Him.
John 12:2
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Conclusion: Although Martha was a lady who served the Lord with her talents we also have to recognize that she got distracted. Our homes are where we serve Him, and for others it would be their talents. Let's not be like Martha who was practical but not spiritual.
*Please let me know if this post has been a blessing to you through a comment, for it would be a blessing for me to know.
I have added some verses down below for those who are not sure if heaven is your future home. Please share with me if you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior through this post. I will be happy to rejoice with you!
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:9–13
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