Cross Into Your Life

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When we first meet Martha in Luke's Gospel (chapter 10) she invites Jesus into her home and intends to treat him like a guest, perhaps with food and drink and a place to rest. But she is so busy trying to get everything done that complains to Jesus when she realizes her sister, Mary, isn't doing anything to help.

Jesus replies, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required.  Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it."  (Luke 10:41-42 NAB). 

 Later on in the Gospel of John, we find out that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha is dying.  They send for Jesus but he delays.  Lazarus passes.  When Jesus does make it back to Martha's house Lazarus is already dead 4 days. 

Of the two sisters, it is Martha who runs out to meet Jesus in the road.  Full of faith in Jesus, she says Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had been there. 

Jesus and Martha talk about the resurrection of the dead.  It is then that Jesus makes His wonderful declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live even though they die." (John 11:25 NIV)

 Then Jesus challenges Martha.  Do you believe this?

 Jesus is challenging you with the same question.  Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life? 

 Martha answers yes. 

What about you? 

What's your answer? 

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About the painting:

I wanted Martha's painting to show dishes, like when she invited Jesus in and was making preparations for Him.  I like to think she was making a meal and wanted Mary to help get out the dishes. 

Her cross seems so everyday to begin with - preparing for a guest.  But she experiences another cross - much deeper - with the loss of her brother Lazarus. 

This time though, it is Martha who rushes to meet Jesus.  It is Martha who professes the remarkable faith in what Jesus can do - even though Lazarus is dead. 

Martha comes a long way in her relationship with Jesus and she makes one of the key pronouncements of faith in the Gospel of John.

So Martha moves beyond the plates and dishes into a swirling beauty of a close, personal relationship with Jesus, full of faith and trust in His love for her, Mary and Lazarus. 

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• Copyright information on Bible quotes used on this page:

• New American Bible (NAB). Copyright 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

• New International Version (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society.