The Words of Christ: The Feast of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Jesus’ human nature is often overshadowed by his divine nature; Jesus is the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the World. What makes him remarkable, however, is not his ability to turn water into wine, to calm a storm, to multiply fish and loaves, or even to raise someone from the dead. Jesus truly shines in the encounters he has with humanity which highlight his emotions, relationships, and connection. We are most human in community, when we support and care for one another, when we become part of “the village,” when we stand with those who too often stand alone. When we are in relationship with others, we are fully alive. 

We know from the Gospels that Jesus had many friends and followers. He was surrounded by people most of the time. Among his dearest friends were the siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany outside of Jerusalem. We have a few stories of these three and their relationship with Jesus. While they are often grouped together in the Gospels, we know from these narratives that each had a different kind of friendship with Jesus. Mary preferred to sit and listen at Jesus’ feet, absorbing his wisdom and reflecting on his teachings. Martha was a mover - she knew the power Jesus held and wanted him to put it to use. Lazarus was beloved by Jesus, with his death leading to the famous verse in the Gospel of John “Jesus wept” (Jn. 11:35). More on this story here.

I see a commonality in these relationships: each sibling was moved by the Word of God spoken by Christ. 

Let’s begin with Martha. The two stories that come to mind regarding Martha are the recounting of Jesus visiting with Mary and Martha and the death of Lazarus. When Jesus visits Mary and Martha, we see the juxtaposition of Mary calmly listening to Jesus teach and preach and Martha bustling around, serving the guests in her home. Martha asks Jesus to nudge her sister into helping out rather than sitting idly while Martha does all of the serving. Neither of these are the wrong approach to tending company, yet Jesus tells Martha that her sister has chosen the better path in this case.

When her brother Lazarus passes away, Martha goes out to meet Jesus on his way to the house. She is of course distraught and confidently tells Jesus that if he had been present, Lazarus would not have passed away. Jesus responds that Lazarus will rise, which Martha interprets as the resurrection of the dead at the end of time. Jesus reveals to her that he is “the resurrection and the life” and that whoever believes in him, “even if he dies, will live” and “anyone who lives and believes in [him] will never die” (Jn. 11:25-26). Martha affirms her belief in the identity of Jesus and continues to listen to his word. 

Both of these stories show a strong woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. When she does share her thoughts and frustrations with Jesus, he sees her. His words offer solace while challenging the assertive personality of Martha. Christ calms her storm, expressing his love for her even when her approach channels the ultimate eldest daughter energy (said in the most loving way).

Mary, the younger sister, does not seem to have the same fire as Martha. However, it is clear that she appreciates and relies upon Jesus’ words. Her natural instinct mirrors a ministry of presence, simply being with and listening to her dear friend. The Word of God nourishes Mary, and Christ defends her needs to listen and take part in his work in this way. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, several Marys are referred to as consistent disciples and are present at his miracles, rituals, and preaching. We believe that Mary of Bethany is one of these Marys, demonstrating her dedication to and reliance on Jesus’ words. 

Finally, Lazarus transforms through the Word of God; one moment, he lies in the tomb, and the next he approaches his dear friend, very much alive. Jesus takes his friend’s death as an opportunity to demonstrate his power over life and death with this miracle. He turns a tragedy into a wonder at the Word of God. Jesus does not even have to touch Lazarus in order for him to rise; he simply says, “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn. 11:43) and Lazarus walks out of his tomb. 

Each of these siblings is transformed by the Word of God. They knew Jesus as a human being, as a friend and neighbor, as a loved one. They knew him before his ministry and miracles made him a popular preacher. They knew him in the years that are hidden from us as readers of the Bible. Perhaps more than other disciples, they knew Jesus as the Second Person of the Trinity, the life-giving, nourishing, life-changing Word of God. May we follow their example and allow our hearts, lives, and attitudes to be changed by Jesus’ saving Word.

Today's Readings

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