Martha

Service and confession

Sister of Lazarus and Mary, active and helpful, who learned from Jesus that “only one thing is necessary.” Facing her brother's death, she made a great confession of faith: “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27).

Service and faith

She welcomes Jesus into her home and keeps busy while Mary listens; Jesus teaches her about “the good portion.” But she is the one who, facing her brother’s death, makes one of the greatest confessions of faith in the Gospel.

“I believe that You are the Christ”

Before seeing Lazarus rise, Martha believes. Faith comes before the miracle.

Did you know?

• Martha’s confession (Jn 11:27) echoes Peter’s. John 11:27

Where to read in the Bible

• Luke 10:38–42
• John 11:20–27

Connections

• sister of Lazarus · stated in the text · John 11:1–2
• confessed as the Christ Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · John 11:27
• lived in Bethany · stated in the text · John 11:1

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