A Tale of Two Sisters

God creates each of us with unique talents, skills, and personalities. We are masterpieces designed by our Father to shine light in the darkness.

Click here to listen to this devotional narrated by Mary Harker.

“But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:41–42, NLT).

I have a love/hate relationship with women in the Bible. The Proverbs 31 woman intimidates me. I feel like a coward when I read about Esther and Deborah. I tell myself I would never succumb to temptation as Eve did. And when I read about Naomi, I like to believe that I wouldn’t let depression get the better of me. However, I see traits of myself in every woman I encounter as I journey through the Scriptures.

Yet, the tale of two sisters resonates with my heart in ways others don’t. Martha and Mary are relatable and honest. Author Lori Roeleveld, in her book Graceful Influence: Making a lasting impact from Women of the Bible, says, “We owe Martha an apology.” We chastise her for her busyness when we are much the same. We put Mary on a pedestal for her bravery in worshiping at Jesus’s feet in the middle of a bunch of grumpy, judgmental men. Both sisters give us beautiful pictures from which we can learn. Although mentioned by name in short sections of the Bible, we can discover several nuggets from their stories.

Jesus interacted with Martha and Mary as unique individuals. He didn’t shame Martha and say, “Hey Martha, get your act together and act like Mary. You must overcome your type A personality and learn to sit and worship.” Nor did He say to Mary, “I enjoy your worship, but let’s get back to serving others now.” Jesus loved them as they were but encouraged them to grow into a better version of themselves.

God creates each of us with unique talents, skills, and personalities. We are masterpieces designed by our Father to shine light in the darkness. These siblings lived in Bethany. One of the meanings of Bethany is “House of Suffering.” Amid bleak circumstances, Martha and Mary opened their home to those in their community and beyond when they invited Jesus and His followers. They offered hospitality and refreshments to outcasts and outliers.

We don’t know this family’s particular story. The sisters appear unmarried, as Scripture does not mention a husband for either one. Yet, in a time when women had no voice and society considered them the same as property, Mary and Martha were well-known women and respected in their village. They used their available resources and met the needs surrounding them.

When faced with their beloved brother Lazarus’s critical illness, Martha and Mary called on Jesus. They knew where their help came from and who could intervene in their desperate situation. Even in confusion, they remembered the source of healing instead of relying on the local physician or seeking friends’ advice. They kept accomplishing the next needed task instead of allowing fear and anxiety to overwhelm them. Their focus was on waiting for Jesus and believing He would come.

While they reached out to Jesus, their community came and supported them. They cried with them and sat shiva, the Jewish tradition of a seven-day mourning period after the burial of a loved one. Their town encircled them, and Mary and Martha accepted the gifts of their presence. They received care from their brothers and sisters, and their need for safety and authenticity trumped their pride. They allowed others to come alongside and support them.

During the pain of loss and saying goodbye to their brother, Mary and Martha held on to hope. Martha dashed to meet Jesus when she heard He was coming. She dropped what she was doing to be with her friend and Savior. Nothing else mattered. Martha had learned priorities. She switched from serving mode to focusing on Jesus. His face was the only one she wanted to see. Earlier encounters with Jesus taught her that only one thing was necessary.

Mary came when Jesus called for her. She brought her tears to Him. When she came with honest emotions, Jesus did not turn her away but cried with her. He asked to see the tomb. Martha and Mary needed to face their fears and give control to Jesus. What lessons can we take away from the story of Mary and Martha?

1.     We can be authentic in our sorrow and pain.

2.     We can use our influence to minister to others.

3.     We can go to Jesus for help in times of confusion and chaos.

4.     We can trust that Jesus will come through in our time of need.

The next time we feel confused and in chaos, I hope we remember the lessons from Mary and Martha.

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