Martha was a biblical figure from the village of Bethany, located near Jerusalem. As the sister of Mary and Lazarus, she is featured in the Gospels of Luke and John. She is frequently characterized by her active role in hosting Jesus, often being described as being preoccupied with the many tasks of hospitality. Most notably, she was a witness to the resurrection of her brother Lazarus, an event in which she expressed her faith in Jesus's divinity.
Biblical accounts
In the Gospel of Luke, Martha is depicted as being distracted by the various preparations required to host Jesus, while her sister Mary focuses on listening to his teachings. In the Gospel of John, she is shown meeting Jesus upon his arrival during the period of her brother's illness and death. During this time, she affirmed her belief in the resurrection, leading to a significant dialogue with Jesus regarding eternal life.
Veneration
Recognized as a saint in various traditions, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Oriental, her feast day is observed on July 29. In Eastern Orthodox tradition, she is also associated with the Myrrh-bearing Women who were present during the crucifixion. Her legacy is preserved through numerous artistic depictions of the hospitality provided at her home in Bethany.