Sabbath Devotional :: Martha and Mom

It’s my mom’s birthday this week. Will you indulge me for a minute while I talk about her?

I have a large extended family, and we love to spend time together. When our children were very young, after family dinners, my sisters and I retired to the adjacent family room to form what my uncle dubbed the lactation station. While we were feeding our youngest children, our husbands would chase the toddlers. We would have wonderful, lively conversations full of fun that sometimes shifted to deep, heartfelt discussions.

While we were enjoying ourselves, my mom and dad were busy in the kitchen. Dad never leaves the kitchen until the dishes are done. Despite Dad’s dedication, Mom began to feel left out. We were having so much fun in the family room while she worked, and she wanted to be with us. A few times, she poked her head in the family room to see what she was missing. She would refer to herself as “Martha, Martha, Martha,” with her unique way of combining a Brady Bunch reference with a beloved scripture.

We have often heard the story of Mary and Martha told in a way that is critical of Martha and I hated to hear my mom feel like she was the lesser of the two sisters. It would have made sense if I had determined to be more helpful in the kitchen, but I am who I am and I chose to learn more about Martha. It turns out, my mom is a lot like Martha.

Luke 10:38 says that “a certain woman named Martha received [Jesus] into her house.” The scripture says “her house.” This was Martha’s house. From what I can tell, Mary and Lazarus lived in Martha’s house. That generosity is reflected in my parents. They have welcomed many into their home, often to stay for weeks, months, or even years: family members who are down on their luck or building a new house or are recently divorced, friends of the family who need a place to stay while they get on their feet. They also welcome people for shorter visits, especially their grandchildren. When I was a young stay-at-home mom who needed a break, I would go to Mom’s for the afternoon. When my 20-something daughter lived near my parents, she would often drop by knowing she was always welcome.

Martha served by attending to physical needs. The scriptural stories of Christ show that he is well aware of our needs, from sending manna to the Israelites to feeding the 5000. Jesus knows we need to eat. And those who feed us are doing a great service. My mother feeds us. She is a wonderful cook and she happily feeds large crowds. She has always bottled fruit and even now, she will host anyone in the family at her house for fruit-bottling parties. Mom will often freeze small loaves of homemade bread so that she has something ready for a quick thank you or “I’m thinking of you” gift.

John 11:20 says, “Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him.” I think that describes my mom. She has spent her life serving others, both through church assignment and personal initiative. She studies her scriptures, attends devotionals. She teaches the gospel and serves in the temple. Wherever she might find Christ, my mom goes to meet him.

After Lazurus died and before Christ restored his life, Martha spoke to Jesus. She told him about her grief and her faith. My mom has also experienced grief. And even in grief, she expresses faith. I have heard her speak at the funeral of her young grandson where she boldly testified of the resurrection and Savior’s healing power.

In John 11:25, during a mostly private conversation with Martha, Jesus tells her: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Because of Martha’s faith, she was able to learn great doctrine and personal revelation. In this same conversation, Martha tells Jesus, “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:27). Martha had a testimony and demonstrated loyalty and hope in Christ. She, like my mom, is a believer.

And this is my favorite. John 11:5 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazurus.”

He does. Jesus loves all the Marthas.

Martha, Martha, Martha. What a compliment.

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Megan Rawlins Woods is the nonpartisan root senior director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government.

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