Study together · BCS

Martha

The busy host who made one of the clearest confessions of Christ in the Gospels.

The story

1. Opens her home Luke 10:38

   Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her house.

2. Anxious and troubled Luke 10:40-42

   Distracted by serving, she asks Jesus to send Mary to help. He tells her only one thing is necessary.

3. Meeting him on the road John 11:20-27

   Lazarus is dead. She tells Jesus he could have prevented it, then confesses him as the Christ, the Son of God.

4. The stone and the smell John 11:39-40

   At the tomb she objects that Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus reminds her that if she believes, she will see the glory of God.

5. Martha served John 12:1-2

   At a dinner after Lazarus is raised, she serves again. Scripture records no complaint this time.

Key verses

“Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:27 (ESV)

Read together: Luke 10:38 · Luke 10:40-42 · John 11:20-27 · John 11:39-40 · John 12:1-2

Questions to sit with

1. What are you anxious and troubled about that is crowding out the one necessary thing?
2. When have you been honest with Jesus about your disappointment, and what did you learn about him?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.