Angrily, she reproaches Jesus for permitting what she feels is an unjust situation to continue, and hotly demands that He should tell Mary to get up and help her prepare and serve the meal. The sight of Mary sitting and listening to Jesus and ignoring the needs of the kitchen drives her to the point of distraction.

Martha is so preoccupied with the task of preparing a lavish meal for Jesus-the honoured guest-that she does not know where to turn. Then he placed his right hand on me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. What kind of temperament do you have? Are you an extrovert like Martha, or an introvert like Mary? Whatever your temperament, one thing is sure-like Mary, you need daily to ‘sit at Jesus’ feet’ if your soul is to be fed and your spiritual life developed. As Mary’s spiritual life deepened under the teaching of Jesus, she became one of His most devoted followers, whose love for her Lord is widely discussed and constantly praised. Such was the power and wisdom contained in the words of the Master, that Mary delighted to sit at His feet and drink in the truth that He expounded so simply, yet so effectively. Mary would have revelled in the visits of Jesus, and no doubt would have listened to His words with great interest and concentration. Mary had a reflective personality while Martha appears to have been an energetic, practical type of person. 6:11, NIV) At Jesus’ feetĪlthough Mary and Martha were sisters, they were quite the opposite in temperament.

“…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor.

Have you ever considered how places, things and people become special, not because of what they are or contain in themselves, but by reason of their association with Christ? Jesus makes special everything He touches-including you. Its greatest significance, of course, comes from its association with Christ, and to this very day, thousands of travellers and pilgrims stop at Bethany to visit the traditional sites on their way to Jericho and the Dead Sea. Thirdly, being flanked by the Mount of Olives, it was an attractive place to visit. Secondly, it was the first stopping place for travellers on the road to Jericho. Firstly, it was adjacent to Jerusalem and provided an excellent retreat from the hustle and bustle of that busy city. The little village of Bethany, positioned as it is on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives, took on a special significance in Bible days. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9, NIV) A special village In the light of what you have read today, ask yourself these questions: Is my home a hospitable place? Am I a hospitable person? If not, why not? Hospitality has been defined as “the art of making people want to stay without interfering with their departure”. 8:20, NIV), would, no doubt, have been deeply grateful for the hospitality of this home in Bethany. He who said, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matt. When visiting Jerusalem, as He frequently did, Christ must have greatly valued the hospitality which was always available to Him in the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Both were devout Jewesses and, together with their brother Lazarus, had a great interest in Jesus’ ministry. Martha was probably the elder of the sisters and an active worker, while Mary appears to have been more contemplative. Martha and Mary lived with their brother Lazarus in Bethany, a small village about two miles from Jerusalem. Luke 10:38 & Mark 14:3-9 (click the link to read the passages) Martha and Mary: Martha means 'Lady' Mary means 'Bitter' A hospitable home

Bible story of lazarus mary and martha