Mary and Martha, two sisters from Bethany, offer a powerful glimpse into what true discipleship and devotion to Jesus look like. While Martha served with dedication and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet to listen, Jesus affirmed that Mary had chosen “the better part”—prioritizing presence with Him over busyness. Their stories challenge us to examine our own faith: Are we too distracted by doing for Jesus that we miss simply being with Him?
From hosting Jesus in their home, to grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus, to Mary’s bold act of worship before Jesus’ death, these women show us that devotion takes many forms—but always begins with love. Whether you’re more like Mary or Martha, their lives remind you to slow down, stay grounded in Christ, and offer Him your full attention. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how their story can reshape your walk with Jesus.
If you’ve ever read the Gospels, you’ve likely come across the story of Mary and Martha—two sisters who each show love and devotion to Jesus in very different ways. Their story gives us a powerful look at what discipleship really means and how our personalities, choices, and priorities shape our relationship with Jesus.
This article breaks down who Mary and Martha were, what their story teaches about following Jesus, and why it still matters for your faith today.
Who Were Mary and Martha?
Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the village of Bethany, just two miles from Jerusalem. They also had a brother named Lazarus, famously raised from the dead by Jesus (John 11). This family had a close relationship with Jesus. Scripture tells us plainly:
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5)
This wasn’t just a passing friendship. Jesus regularly stayed at their home. He trusted them. They were disciples—not part of the twelve, but deeply committed followers nonetheless.
The Famous Dinner: Luke 10:38–42
The most well-known story of Mary and Martha takes place in Luke 10. Jesus comes to visit, and the two sisters react very differently:
“Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’”
“’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:40–42)
Let’s unpack what’s going on here.
Martha: The Servant
Martha’s gift is hospitality. She’s the one cooking, setting the table, making sure Jesus is well-fed and comfortable. That’s not a bad thing. Serving matters. But the problem was this: she let the task become more important than the person she was serving.
She got “distracted,” and Jesus gently corrected her. Not because her work was wrong, but because her focus was.
Mary: The Listener
Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet. That’s important language. In Jewish tradition, sitting at a rabbi’s feet meant becoming a disciple. It wasn’t passive—it was an act of commitment.
Mary chose to listen, learn, and be present. She wasn’t lazy. She prioritized relationship over responsibility.
Jesus calls this “the better part.” Not because service is unimportant, but because knowing Him is foundational to everything else.
Key Lessons About Discipleship
1. Discipleship Means Prioritizing Presence Over Performance
You can be doing a lot for Jesus and still miss time with Jesus. It’s easy to fill your life with church work, volunteering, or even Bible study—but never stop and just be with Him.
Mary reminds us that discipleship starts with relationship.
2. Different Callings, Same Lord
Don’t pit Mary and Martha against each other. We need both. Some are wired to serve like Martha. Others are drawn to listen and reflect like Mary. What matters is your heart behind the action.
Here’s what Paul says in Colossians 3:23:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Both listening and serving can be acts of devotion—when they flow from love, not stress or guilt.
3. Distraction Can Steal Devotion
Martha was “distracted by all the preparations.” The Greek word used here implies being pulled in every direction.
That hits home, doesn’t it?
Distraction is one of the greatest threats to modern faith. We’re constantly pulled by phones, work, noise, and endless to-do lists. The story of Mary and Martha invites us to slow down and make space to hear God.
The Raising of Lazarus: John 11
Mary and Martha appear again in John 11 when their brother Lazarus dies. It’s one of the most emotional and powerful moments in the New Testament.
When Jesus finally arrives, both sisters say the same thing:
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21, 32)
But Jesus engages them differently.
- Martha talks theology: “I know he will rise again in the resurrection.” (v. 24)
- Mary just weeps—and Jesus weeps with her. (v. 35)
These reactions show that Jesus meets us where we are. Whether you’re a thinker like Martha or a feeler like Mary, He responds personally. And then He raises Lazarus from the dead, showing both His power and His compassion.
Mary’s Costly Gift: John 12
Just before Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary appears one more time.
“Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.” (John 12:3)
This wasn’t just a kind act. That perfume was worth about a year’s wages (roughly $50,000 in today’s terms). It was probably her inheritance or dowry.
Her gift was extravagant, humble, and deeply personal.
Jesus defends her again:
“Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)
Mary saw what others missed—Jesus was going to die. She gave Him everything she had.
What This Means for You
Mary and Martha are more than a lesson about personality. They show us how to live as disciples in everyday life.
Here’s what you can take away:
1. Don’t Miss Jesus in the Middle of Serving Him
Keep your relationship with Christ at the center of all you do. He wants your attention more than your activity.
2. Your Worship Might Look Different—And That’s Okay
Some disciples are doers, others are dwellers. God uses both. What matters is that your devotion is real.
3. Slow Down and Sit at His Feet
Make intentional time to pray, read the Word, and just be with Jesus. Not because you have to—but because it’s the “better part.”
Final Thoughts
Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. They just showed it in different ways. And in their stories, Jesus doesn’t pick favorites—He just calls each one deeper.
The same is true for you.
Whether you’re wired like Mary or Martha, you’re invited to a deeper life of discipleship and devotion. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let everything else flow from there.
Key Scriptures:
- Luke 10:38–42 (Mary and Martha)
- John 11 (Raising of Lazarus)
- John 12:1–8 (Mary anoints Jesus)
- Colossians 3:23 (Work with your heart)
Frequently Asked Questions – Mary and Martha: Discipleship and Devotion in Jesus’ Ministry
1. Who were Mary and Martha in the Bible?
Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in Bethany, near Jerusalem. They were close friends and devoted followers of Jesus, along with their brother Lazarus. Their home often served as a place of hospitality for Jesus during His ministry.
2. What is the main lesson from the story of Mary and Martha?
The key lesson is about priorities in discipleship. While Martha was busy serving, Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus. Jesus praised Mary’s choice, teaching that time spent with Him should come before tasks done for Him (Luke 10:38–42).
3. Was Martha wrong for serving Jesus?
No, serving isn’t wrong. Jesus gently corrected Martha not for serving, but for being “worried and upset” by many things. The issue was distraction, not service itself. Her heart needed realignment toward Jesus.
4. Why did Jesus say Mary chose the ‘better part’?
Mary sat at Jesus’ feet—a posture of learning and discipleship. Jesus called this the “better part” because being with Him and hearing His word is foundational to everything else in the Christian life.
5. How did Mary and Martha respond when Lazarus died?
Both sisters expressed faith and grief, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11). Martha spoke of resurrection hope, while Mary wept—showing different, but valid, responses. Jesus met each one with compassion and raised Lazarus from the dead.
6. What does Mary’s act of anointing Jesus mean?
Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1–8) as a prophetic act of devotion. It was an expression of deep love, sacrifice, and spiritual insight—preparing Jesus for His burial, even before others understood what was coming.
7. How does the story of Mary and Martha apply today?
It reminds us not to let busyness for God replace intimacy with Him. Whether through prayer, worship, or quiet reflection, spending time with Jesus is essential for a strong spiritual life.
8. Can I be both a Mary and a Martha?
Yes. The goal isn’t to choose one over the other but to balance both. Serve with love like Martha, but make sure it flows from a heart that regularly sits at Jesus’ feet like Mary.
9. What does it mean to be a disciple like Mary?
Being a disciple like Mary means prioritizing time in God’s Word, listening to His voice, and living in close relationship with Jesus. It’s about letting Him shape your thoughts, actions, and faith.
10. Where can I read more about Mary and Martha in the Bible?
You can find their story in three key places:
- Luke 10:38–42 – The dinner at their home
- John 11 – The death and raising of Lazarus
- John 12:1–8 – Mary anoints Jesus before His crucifixion
