How true to human experience is the picture which the Gospels paint for us of the two sisters, Martha and Mary! Their close relationship in no way marred their individuality, as the Biblical record shows, for each may be said to represent a distinct type. The familiar scene in which they both take part while entertaining Christ Jesus in their home at Bethany, has led some readers to dismiss Martha from thought as undeserving of further attention; though it may well be borne in mind that "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus," as the evangelist John specifically records.
It may be inferred that Martha was the elder of the two women, from the fact that their home is described as "her house" (Luke 10:38), while, following Lazarus' passing, she is the first to go forth to greet Jesus. Forthright and impulsive, active and practical, her ability to serve at table is mentioned twice in the Gospel record (Luke 10:40; John 12:2), though on one of these occasions her undue absorption in this type of service brought from the Saviour's lips a gentle rebuke: "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part." While Martha was thus preoccupied with household tasks on this occasion, we find her evidencing deep interest in Jesus and his teachings at a later time; for it was she who after her brother's passing hailed the Wayshower as "the Christ, the Son of God," and to whom he addressed the wondrous words. "I am the resurrection, and the life;" while even before receiving this assurance, she had affirmed her clear conviction that whatever he might ask of God would be granted (John 11:22–27).
The character of Mary shines forth from the Gospel pages with a peculiar radiance. Less impulsive than her sister, she did not go out to meet Jesus until informed by Martha that he had called for her to come; and when at length she greeted him, "she fell down at his feet," weeping. It is surely not without significance that this afflictive experience proved salutary, for many of the Jews who had come to comfort Mary, followed her when she went to meet Jesus, and remained to witness his raising of Lazarus, while, as a consequence, they "believed on him." On at least two occasions, Mary of Bethany— who is often so called to distinguish her from Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and others— won the direct commendation of the Master. Not only was she assured that the "good part" she had chosen in sitting at his feet and listening to his word would not be taken away from her, but later she was praised for the foresight and humble, overflowing gratitude she expressed by anointing his feet with costly ointment, a few days before his crucifixion (John 12:1–8). This anointing should not. of course, be confused with that performed at a much earlier date by "a woman . . . which was a sinner" (Luke 7:37–50).
