Commentary on the Gospel of
Martha’s Ways
“Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus,” declares John (11:5). This statement tells us of the intimate relationship Jesus had with this family. We have accounts of three visits of Jesus to them (Luke 10: 38-42, John 11:1-53, & John 12: 1-9). Martha would have been the life of the party when they all got together. There is something very earthy and deeply sincere about Martha’s interactions with Jesus. She does not hold anything back. She lets Jesus know her mind – as did Abraham and Moses, when they talked to God face to face as friends did. In the brief encounter we have between Jesus and Martha, we have a mirror to her soul: She lets Jesus know her disappointment that he didn’t reach early, but she also lets him know that she trusts him to do something even if late. With no hesitation she declares her faith in Christ. How wonderful it is to have such authentic freedom to express ourselves in our prayer before God!
