Scripture Reading: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:19-27, John 12:1-8
The story of Mary and Martha is a classic tale of differing personality styles and priorities. I’ve sat in many rooms where Christians compared themselves to one character or another: either the great hostess throwing together a last-minute cheese board or the skilled listener who knows how to sit with people in their joy or pain.
“A woman named Martha welcomed him into her home,” goes the story in the Gospel of Luke. “She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said” (Luke 10:38–39). Immediately, I picture both my stepmother-in-law and my good friend whose ways of relating to others couldn’t be more different. One won’t sit down long enough to have a conversation, and the other is perfectly comfortable spending hours on the couch engrossed in story-telling.
Yet the lesson Jesus has for us here transcends gender and even personality stereotypes. Instead, it focuses on the gift of presence. He wants to know and spend time with each of us individually and intimately and wants us to know Him too. He yearns for hearts that aren’t so distracted by things that easily draw our attention away from Him.
Martha’s tasks weren’t unimportant, of course. It was her “worried and upset” spirit the Lord wanted to free her from (v.41). We see this anxiety rise again when Martha asks Jesus about her brother, claiming that if He had been there, Lazarus wouldn’t have died (John 11:21). It sounds harsh, yet her statement also illustrates her faith. And Jesus knew this—He always sees clearly through the shadow of our fears, insecurities, and disappointments to what our hearts truly need. As usual, His response came from a non-anxious presence. Before the miracle of her brother’s resurrection, Jesus turned Martha’s gaze to Him and toward trust in His power. I can’t imagine it was an easy thing to do at that moment, but the intimacy in their relationship showed her how worthy of trust Jesus is.
I think it’s normal for us to project ourselves into the story of Mary and Martha, wondering what we would do if he stopped by our home. But maybe there’s an even better question—instead of asking “Am I like Martha or Mary?” perhaps Jesus is inviting us to ask “How can I trust in God today?” No matter what, His non-anxious presence inspires us to be still and truly see His love all around us.
Written by Bailey Gillespie
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60 thoughts on "Martha and Mary"
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I have become more like Martha the older I have gotten. I think bring a mom and always knowing what needs to get done, has made it worse. I think what o have learned is that I can be busy, but still be at peace with God. It isn’t necessarily my actions, but my heart posture.
@Searching – thank you
@Rachel – @ Kimberly Your words spoke to me today.
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I’ve always compared myself more to Martha. Thank you Bailey for redirecting my question to “How can I trust God today?” Because I think at times we are either Mary or Martha. In my younger years I felt filled with busyness. As I age I find myself more relaxed and willing to sit and seek God.
Good morning shes. After reading today’s devotional, I see many powerful lessons for ministries. There is tension between Mary and Martha, the timeless issue of comparing service and developing resentment. “But Martha was distracted with much serving”, she asked Jesus, “do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Martha is doing a good deed, serving the Lord and others, BUT, to the point her heart has become troubled, simmering resentment. She doesn’t talk to Mary, she goes straight to the Lord and complains. Jesus’s gentle correction is so sweet here. He does not rebuke her work. He highlights how Mary has chosen a better portion which is being with Him. Yet, a plot twist (my favourite part) shows Mary’s even deeper worship. Mary took a pound of expensive ointment worth a year’s salary, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her HAIR. This is extravagant sacrifice, yet immediately misunderstood. Why this waste? Others and Judas criticized her. Lessons for ministry today, comparison is a thief of joy. Who gets recognition? Who does more visible work? Who sacrifices more? Didn’t the disciples also argue among themselves which of them should be considered the greatest? Lol. Sigh. Timeless issue. This comparison leads to resentment, and not reward. Resentment is dangerous in ministry. It leads toward bitterness, defiling the heart. It leads to distraction from our own purpose and calling. It steals the joy in serving God, no longer a delight but now a duty, leads to burnout, feeling unseen and underappreciated. It brings division into the church, feelings are hurt, people might withdraw themselves and won’t serve again. It causes us to question God and His fairness (Lord do you not care?). Bottom line, everyone of us has different gifts. Our role may be quiet, invisible, unseen- but it is seen by God (how sweet). Stop looking sideways, look up to Jesus. Celebrate others’ gifts, don’t compete or compare. Some, like Mary, are called to quiet and costly ways of worship, and in misunderstood ways too. But worship is not about public approval, our audience is the Lord alone. What I love even more about Mary’s story is, are you ready? I care for my hair and keep my hair clean, I even have a routine with coconut and castor oil treatment every now and then to prevent hair loss. The Bible says the woman’s hair is her glory- yes absolutely (1 Corinthians 11:15, if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her). But Mary wipes her beautiful hair on Jesus’ dusty feet (he walks on the roads all day long!). She surrenders her absolute glory at the feet of Jesus (the authority of Jesus). Wow! Washing feet was the job of a servant, and Mary did exactly that with her very very best. What a powerful and multi-layered topic we are shown today. Thank you God. I am so thankful for the Bible. The disciples did not have such privilege of opening this Holy book every day like us. May we be faithful and committed in our learning and growing in the Lord. Be blessed dear sisters.
@Mercy, wow that was really good and helpful. Thank you for your insight. You gave me a lot to think about.
My Sister Shes
Have a wonderful Wednesday wherever life takes you & whatever you do (or not!!).
Never minding the wonky technology!!
I love, love, love, my quiet time! The very reason I get up early (although this summer I’ve been getting up later and running outside BEFORE the heat) before every one gets up (my daughter now joins me and does her own quiet time). I enjoy the quietness of the new day and not having to talk to anyone but MY JESUS! YET,many, many times I find myself like “Martha” preoccupied by what needs to get done for day, yep even during my quiet time, I’m thinking of the chores that need to get done (sigh). So grateful for a gracious and loving God who meets me right where I’m at. It was a gorgeous “cool” morning and I was so happy being outside in the quietness of the morning, thanking my JESUS for allowing me to get outside and enjoy nature.
Hello Shes
Martha …
Welcomed Him into her home. Distracted by her many tasks. Came up & asked. Went to meet Him.
Said to Him. Served them.
Martha engaged Him vocally.
Mary…sat at His feet. Remained sitting at the house. Anointed His feet.
Mary had no speaking role.
The varying behavior…outward signs…resonated more clearly than any time previous reading, listening, or interpreting these familiar stories. I want to resist making judgments or drawing comparisons between the two sisters. I want to train my eyes on the central character, Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God. Lavish in love for both women. Differences did not divide or divert Him. And neither should they us.
Jesus’s non anxious spirit isn’t an aspect of his character that I have focused on before but is resonating with me today. Oh how I want to emulate that spirit in my everyday life. For now I’ll rest in the presence of that confident Spirit and trust him.
Amen ❤️
When I looked up the Greek word that’s translated as “distracted” in Luke 10:40, I found this info on Bible Hub:
“The verb portrays a person being pulled or dragged about on every side, resulting in inner agitation and loss of focus. Rather than conveying simple busyness, it depicts an absorbing preoccupation that diverts attention from what matters most.”
Yikes. I’ve certainly felt pulled in different directions lately. Time with Jesus is what my soul desperately needs.
I am reminded of Psalm 73:28. But for me, God’s presence is my good.
Reading the story today, I realized that I am like both Mary and Martha, sometimes even at the same time! But I also noticed that in John’s account, ch. 11, v. 27, Martha’s confession of faith preceded the sign. Some came to Jesus because they saw miracles, but Jesus allowed his closest friends to wait. They didn’t understand why, and we may not either; but we can learn to lean in and trust the relationship.
Good morning Lord. We give thanks for this new day; the air we breath, the sun that is shining, the birds singing their songs – the things around us that remind us of who you are and that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you Lord for this community of SRT sisters that desires to grow in fellowship and knowledge of you. Before we get too far into this day Lord, we want to be in your presence, to sit at your feet, to abide in your presence, to dwell on your Word and to lay before you all we need to trust in you for, for this day. There are countless things on our to-do list, decisions we need wisdom for, worries that are consumming us, heavy burdens weighing on our hearts, sorrow that overwhelms us. Heavenly Father, we lay it all before you and trust that you are in it all. That you are present, leading, guiding, making the way, at work in ways beyond our understanding and that your goodness, peace and faithfulness overflows. Help us to rest in your presence, fill our hearts with your peace and to trust all that is before us in your hands. We love you Jesus. Amen❤️
Many of us live in a “Martha world,” pulled in a thousand directions. But Jesus still gently calls us, like He did Martha, to pause and come sit at His feet. It’s a reminder that our identity is not found in what we do for Jesus, but in who we are with Him. Like Mary, we’re invited to slow down and listen, to let our busy hearts be quieted by His presence.
Are you more like Martha or Mary in this season of life? What is one way you can choose “what is better” today?
Reply still not working (two different Apple devices, if that helps, tech team… many prayers for you as this gets worked out. I am so thankful for you!)
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Since I cannot reply to comments or prayer requests, please know I am praying for your requests, sweet sisters. And also… LEANNA THOMPSON… your interview is on my daily planner. ( I am SUCH a Martha… I have lists for my lists… Heeheehee. And sometimes… here’s a window into my life… I write something on my planner, just so I can mark it off! What a crazy girl!) I’m sure you’ll let us know, Leanna, how things go today.
Hi Adrienne!
Greetings from She Reads Truth HQ. We are working to resolve this error and hope to have it fixed soon. Thank you so much for your continued patience and understanding.
Years ago I worked with a college ministry and was involved in every event or activity as well as meeting with/discipling young women. I loved it, but somewhere along the way all those activities became my identity (and idol) rather than joyful work done as unto the Lord. I was much more focused on doing than being. It took God moving me from that town and stripping me of everything I had found my identity and comfort in for me to stop and see that the relationship with Him was all that mattered. That was a lonely and painful season but I am so grateful that God loved me enough to show me how I had replaced worship with work and gave me the opportunity to learn the “one thing” I needed to focus on. I still identify most with Martha, but I am learning to start my day with the Lord, and that has changed everything.
Anxiety is always my clue that I’m trying to do things in my own strength! I have to remember to stop and give everything to the Lord! Martha was a leader and outspoken. I like that about her and I love how Jesus lovingly and with grace redirected her!
He does that for us! So thankful for His grace!
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
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@Jane K. Praying for wisdom for you in all the decisions that need to be made concerning your mom. Also praying for your daughter – may she turn to Jesus and get her life back on track. And prayers for your granddaughter, that the doctors will have wisdom to find out why there is blood in her urine, and that there is nothing serious going on. ❤️
Thank you, Sharon!
My name shoulda been Martha and not Adrienne.
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How can I trust in God today? Good thought, Bailey.
Father God, today I pray for your non-anxious presence in my life and in the life of each one of my SRT sisters. There are many burdens on our hearts, some heavier than others. There is such business and sorrow in the world in which we live. May Your daily presence inspire us to be still and truly see Your love all around us. May we cast our burdens upon You and come, sit quietly at Your feet and drink in Your presence. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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Happy Wednesday She’s – remembering you all in prayer today, and especially for the requests that have been made.❤️
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Amen!
Jane K- praying for you to have trust and peace in the Lord. You have a lot happening, stay focused that the Lord is working things out already. Cast your fears and cares on Him today and he will sustain you. He will uphold you with his righteous right hand. (Psalm 55:22) You are choosing correctly by staying in your Bible!
Morning, sisters! I have an early appointment, but did my reading and will try to pop in later. I was hoping to have “REPLY” back, but since I don’t, I will make note of Shes/comments from yesterday and today and respond that way.
Have a blessed day! ❤
Many years ago I was so anxious to serve the Lord! I wanted to be involved at church, at that point it was a new church for me and my husband, because we had married and I moved to his town! We should have joined a small group but didn’t. That is the best way to begin to know people. We did take a partner class to serve but it seemed to go nowhere. I look back and see clearly now. I was a Martha and wanted to serve and be busy for the Lord, but God was wanting me to sit at his feet and get to know him. I thought of my mom and her wisdom, and that she spend time with the Lord in the word every morning. That is when I started reading the word every day. It was getting to know him before he would use me in such big ways. He wants us. He wants us to lay aside our business and the doing to spend time fellow-shipping with him. We can’t be obedient to him, otherwise. We can’t make our own way. Just like Paul, had to spend 10 years in Taursus being transformed by God before he would be used greatly. It was not his way (going to the Jews as he had wanted). God had better plans for him, but unless we know God, we cannot preach God.
I am so glad I spend time in the word for years (still do obviously) not only for my own personal growth and relationship and love for Jesus, but it is imperative as I try to minister and teach, and share Jesus because I share scripture in stories, his will, and his divine plan. We have to trust and obey, spend time with him for his will to be done, and align with his kingdom! The rest comes from his Holy Spirit working in us to bring about his amazing work in serving!!
Let us wake up each morning in anticipation of how and when God will use us after spending time with him and stepping out in faith!!
Great word Rhonda! So true!
Jane K
Praying for you.
Oh! It worked!
Thank you, Leanna!
Thank you Kelly (NEO). I had a hard day yesterday anticipating today. Listening to the radio someone spoke the verse Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. That helped.
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Today’s ladies Mary and Martha are a great reminder to balance between serving and listening/waiting.
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“How can I trust in God today?” That’s a great focus for me today. Thank you, Bailey for the devotional today. My mind is spinning with all the worries of this world. My mom has dementia and I’ve been trying to get her into this assisted living that many from my church recommend, but she failed the memory assessment. My husband thinks he talked them into a home assessment, we are waiting to hear from them. Between her needs I’m trying to meet, a daughter who is spiraling downward and making distructve choices, my anxiety is high. I’m reading my Bible morning and evening, praying, and trying to trust in the Lord to work all things out for His glory. Today my three year old granddaughter has an ultrasound to check her kidneys. She has blood in her urine. Please pray that her kidneys would be healthy.
Praying now for you Jane. That is so much I’m so sorry
Praying for you and your family.
Praying for you, your mother, daughter, and granddaughter! Just take time to breathe, maybe even just go outside for a few minutes. You have a lot going on. Praying the Lord will send you encouragement today!
Amen❤️
The verse that stood out to me today is “only ONE thing is necessary” – being intentional about spending time with Jesus, whether it be sitting, standing, running, folding laundry, etc… I (we) don’t need to DO anything but relax into his presence. Oh if I could manage to do this throughout my day!
Amen Kimberly! I have copied your prayer today:) Thank
Luke 10:38 , “While they were traveling, he entered a village, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.”
The last part of this sentence impacted me. There were places where Jesus was asked to leave.Most places he was welcomed for what he could do for people; miracles.
Here Jesus could just be among friends. Jesus viewed them as friends. This was a home where people ministered to Him.
Jesus, you are welcome in my home, my work life., my relationships.
Random comment: Martha was probably preparing food for 13 people. The twelve plus Jesus.
The story of Mary and Martha is well known…digging deeper reveals the message(s) at play in their relationship with each other and Jesus.
Per GotQuestions: In Martha’s life-changing encounters with Jesus, we see the importance of balancing service with worship, of trusting the Lord even when all seems lost, and of using our material resources for the glory of God.
As always, your prayers are my prayers.
Amen ❤️ to all the prayers offered up (couldn’t reply directly).
What resounded with me was that Jesus “always sees clearly through the shadow of our fears, insecurities, and disappointments to what our hearts truly need…Jesus turned Martha’s gaze to Him and toward trust in His power.” May I always (and first!) look to You for what I need Jesus!
Hi Cat-tee!
Greetings from She Reads Truth HQ. We are working to resolve this error and hope to have it fixed soon. Thank you so much for your continued patience and understanding.
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Lord,
I come to You with a heart that’s been pulled in too many directions. I’ve been distracted—by the world, by expectations, by my own busyness. I’ve chased things that don’t last and let what matters most fade into the background.
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I feel the weight of choices I wish I hadn’t made—moments when I knew better, but didn’t do better. There’s grief in that, and regret. But I also know You’re a God who meets people like me with grace.
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Like Martha, I’ve been so busy trying to manage everything that I’ve forgotten to sit with You. And like Mary, I want to choose what’s better—to slow down, to listen, to be close to You again.
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Help me turn my eyes back to what matters to You. Quiet the noise. Redirect my heart. Heal the places in me that feel worn out or ashamed.
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I want to offer You my attention, my trust, and my life—even the messy parts. Thank You for not giving up on me.
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Draw me back to Your feet, and help me stay there.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen and me too!
Father help me to still my worries and my mind. Take away my anxiety and fill me with Your peace that transcends all understanding. In Jesus name, Amen
Such a better question Bailey, how can I trust God today rather than will I be Mary or Martha today! Father God may I trust in even the small details of this day as you know it all and love all of me.
Reminded of these enduring words … “trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. written by John H Sammis and Daniel B Towner, 1887
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Martha here. I’m most comfortable in the background, doing what needs to be done, whatever no one else wants to do.
To keep me from getting distracted by those tasks, I start with the most important things – like meeting my sisters here to study God’s word every morning ❤️
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Hopefully reply button gets a permanent fix today, praying for tech team
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TERESA DONLEY – praying for Debbie! That her body will heal completely – excess fluid, kidney function, relearning walking ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ really liked the share re: Amos. Unbelief, religion/spirituality that lacks truth or substance. Sadly, we are surrounded by this mindset. Praying eyes, hearts and minds will be opened to The Truth.
TINA ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
KELLY (NEO) trust in God, amen.
Love that song!
May my mind be set on the cross
“How can I trust in God today?”
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I trust that He is with me no matter what happens in this day. Holy Spirit help me see when I am trusting in my abilities and strength instead of God’s.
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“No matter what, His non-anxious presence inspires us to be still and truly see His love all around us.”
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LEANNA THOMPSON – praying your interview goes well today and God makes it clear if the position is for you.
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TERESA DONLEY – praying for Debbie and her full recovery.
Praying for the requests!
Reading this reminded me God wants us to spend time with Him just as we want our children to spend time with us.
My goal is not to allow all the cares to draw me away that I’m not spending the needed time with Him.
It helps me to be reminded that it is Jesus who seeks me out, not by the works I do or being in the right place at the right time- He knows my name and found me!