50 Bible Verses About Martha and Mary

The story of Martha and Mary is one of the most well-known in the New Testament, highlighting a beautiful contrast between two sisters and their approach to serving and worshiping Jesus. In this blog post, we will explore 50 Bible verses about Martha and Mary and draw from their story to learn valuable lessons.

Who Were Martha and Mary?

Martha and Mary were sisters who lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. They were close friends of Jesus and are mentioned in several places in the New Testament. Their story primarily comes to light in Luke 10:38-42, where their differing responses to Jesus’ visit reveal their personalities and faith. Martha is often portrayed as practical and busy, while Mary is seen as contemplative and devoted. Together, they offer insights into Christian life and priorities.

50 Bible Verses About Martha and Mary

Luke 10:38-42 – “Martha opened her home to him… Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said…”
John 11:1-2 – “Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.”
John 11:5 – “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”
John 12:2 – “Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.”
John 12:3 – “Then Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.”
Luke 10:40 – “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.”
Luke 10:41 – “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things…”
Luke 10:42 – “But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better…”
John 11:21 – “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:22 – “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
John 11:24 – “Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life…”
John 11:32 – “When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said…”
John 11:33 – “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”
John 12:7 – “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”
Luke 7:37-38 – Though this is debated, some scholars link Mary to the “woman who lived a sinful life” who anoints Jesus’ feet.
Mark 14:3-9 – A similar story recounts a woman anointing Jesus at Bethany.
Matthew 26:6-13 – Another version of the anointing at Bethany.
John 11:27 – “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah…”
John 11:39 – “But, Lord,” said Martha, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Luke 8:2 – “Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out…”
Luke 24:10 – “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”
John 20:1-2 – “Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”
Mark 16:9 – “When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene.”
Matthew 28:1 – “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”
John 11:20 – “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.”
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.'”
John 11:29 – “When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.”
John 11:30 – “Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.”
John 11:31 – “When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her…”
John 11:33 – “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”
John 11:38 – “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.”
John 11:41 – “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me.'”
John 11:43-44 – “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped…”
John 12:1 – “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.”
John 12:8 – “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
Luke 10:39 – “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”
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.”
Luke 10:42 – “But one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Matthew 27:55-56 – “Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”
Luke 24:1-2 – “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.”
John 20:16 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”
Mark 16:1 – “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.”
Luke 23:55 – “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.”
Luke 24:9 – “When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.”
Luke 24:10 – “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”
Mark 15:40 – “Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.”
Matthew 28:5 – “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.'”
Luke 24:3 – “But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
Matthew 28:9 – “Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.”

What Does the Story of Mary and Martha Teach Us?

The story of Mary and Martha teaches us about balance in life. Martha is often seen as the symbol of action, while Mary represents contemplation and devotion. Through these sisters, we learn the importance of both service and worship in our walk with God.

Martha’s busyness highlights the danger of becoming too absorbed in tasks, even when they are done for good reasons. Jesus gently reminds her in Luke 10:41-42 that her sister Mary has chosen “what is better” by prioritizing time with Him. The lesson? Our relationship with Christ should always come first, above even the most well-intentioned duties.

What Does the Bible Say About Mary and Martha?

In the Bible, Mary and Martha are mentioned in the Gospels, most notably in Luke and John. Their story speaks to two contrasting but equally valuable ways of serving God. While Martha was busy preparing for Jesus, Mary was sitting at His feet, hanging on every word He spoke.

Their lives are examples of both devotion and service. Martha’s heart was one of hospitality, and Mary’s heart was one of worship. These two women highlight how each of us may serve God differently, but both forms of service are necessary and appreciated in the kingdom of God.

What Do Mary and Martha Symbolize?

Mary and Martha symbolize two key aspects of Christian life—worship and service. Martha’s focus on the tasks at hand symbolizes those who serve diligently in ministry and daily life, while Mary’s focus on listening to Jesus represents those who prioritize spiritual devotion and worship. Together, they demonstrate the balance every believer should strive to maintain—working diligently for God while also spending time in His presence.

What Is the Quote About Mary and Martha?

One of the most famous quotes about Mary and Martha comes directly from Jesus in Luke 10:42: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” This quote underscores the importance of spending time with Christ above all else. While Martha’s service was important, Jesus acknowledged that Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and listen was the better part, one that holds eternal value.

Conclusion

The bible verse about Martha and Mary shows us that while work and service are important, we must never neglect our personal time with Jesus. As we reflect on the lives of these two sisters, may we learn to serve and worship in harmony, giving both areas of our lives to the Lord. The verses and lessons from Martha and Mary continue to inspire Christians in their daily walk with God.