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The Martha Syndrome
In the Word
Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served … (John 12:1–2a).
Of the Word
Being told you have “Martha Syndrome” may not be a compliment. Martha hosted Jesus and His disciples in her home. While her sister Mary listened to Him, Martha complained that she was the only one working. Jesus gently counseled that distractions were preventing her from the one thing she needed — hearing the words of God.
When her brother Lazarus was ill, Martha sent for Jesus, believing that He could heal Lazarus. Even when Jesus arrived days after her brother’s death, she affirmed her trust in His power stating, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God“ (John 11:27b). A strong statement of faith even prior to the raising of Lazarus! Martha had, after all, heeded Jesus’ advice of hearing the words of God.
The last mention of Martha is a touching one. John records simply, Martha served (John 12:2a). No fanfare, no fuss — just faithful Martha, sharing her gift of hospitality in service to her Lord. That is a “Martha Syndrome” worth imitating.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, when my serving is a distraction from time spent in Your Word, help me balance my time to be in communion with You, my Savior. In Your name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 26/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
