Martha and Mary—two sisters who both loved Jesus, yet expressed their devotion in different ways. Their story speaks to so many of us who struggle with the balance between doing and being, serving and sitting, acting and adoring.
Found in several key New Testament passages, Martha and Mary’s interactions with Jesus give us powerful insights about priorities, faith, and intimacy with God.
In moments of busyness, we may relate to Martha, who worked hard to honor Jesus with her service. In quieter times, we may feel drawn to Mary, who simply sat at His feet and listened. The Bible doesn’t shame either sister—instead, it offers us a fuller picture of how God values both active service and quiet devotion.
Let’s explore 15 Bible verses about Martha and Mary that will inspire reflection, deepen faith, and offer practical wisdom for our daily walk with Jesus.
15 Bible Verses About Martha And Mary
1. Luke 10:38
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.
Explanation:
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home—a generous and bold act of hospitality. This moment sets the stage for a deeper lesson about priorities and presence.
2. Luke 10:39
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
Explanation:
While Martha served, Mary chose to sit and listen. Her posture shows her hunger for spiritual truth and her heart for intimacy with Jesus.
3. Luke 10:40
But 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!”
Explanation:
Martha’s frustration is honest and relatable. She wanted help, but her stress caused her to miss the moment of simply being with Jesus.
4. Luke 10:41–42
“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.”
Explanation:
Jesus gently redirects Martha’s attention to what truly matters. Mary’s focus on Him is praised as the “better” choice, a reminder to put spiritual presence before performance.
5. John 11:1
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
Explanation:
This verse introduces us to the setting of a major miracle and shows how deeply Jesus was connected to this family, including Mary and Martha.
6. John 11:3
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
Explanation:
Both Martha and Mary showed their faith by reaching out to Jesus in a time of crisis. Their message reveals both their trust in Him and their closeness to Him.
7. John 11:5
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
Explanation:
This verse highlights that Jesus loved Martha just as much as Mary. Despite her anxieties and distractions, she was deeply valued by Him.
8. John 11:20
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
Explanation:
Here, Martha takes the initiative to meet Jesus, showing her boldness and desire to connect. Mary, however, waits quietly, again revealing their different temperaments.
9. John 11:21
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Explanation:
Martha expresses both faith and disappointment. Her words show she believed in Jesus’ power, even as she struggled with loss.
10. John 11:25–26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Explanation:
Jesus offers one of His most powerful truths to Martha. This moment of deep theological revelation shows her faith was strong and important to Jesus.
11. John 11:27
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Explanation:
Martha gives a bold confession of faith. Her belief in Jesus’ identity is strong, showing that she was not only a server but also a true believer.
12. John 11:28
After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”
Explanation:
Martha lovingly draws Mary into the moment, showing her care and understanding of Mary’s heart. She recognizes that Jesus wants time with both of them.
13. John 11:32
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Explanation:
Mary echoes Martha’s earlier words but with a different emotional tone. She falls at Jesus’ feet, showing deep sorrow and dependence on Him.
14. John 12:2
Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
Explanation:
Once again, Martha is serving—faithfully and with joy. This scene shows she has grown and is now ministering without complaint or comparison.
15. John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Explanation:
Mary’s act of worship is bold, costly, and deeply personal. It shows her love and understanding of who Jesus is and what He was about to do.
Final Thoughts on Martha and Mary
The story of Martha and Mary offers a beautiful picture of two different expressions of love for Jesus. Martha reminds us of the importance of service, hospitality, and faith in action. Mary teaches us the value of stillness, worship, and intimacy with the Savior. Together, they show that following Jesus isn’t about choosing one over the other, but learning to balance both.
Whether you feel more like Martha or Mary today, know that Jesus values your heart. He invites you to both serve with joy and sit with trust—because both are part of a full and faithful life.
Now it’s your turn.
Which verse or sister do you relate to the most? Have you learned any lessons from Martha and Mary’s story in your own walk of faith? Share your thoughts, favorite verses, or personal experiences in the comments below.
Let’s encourage one another to grow in both devotion and action.