Read:

John 12:1-2

¹ Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. ² There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

1 Timothy 5:9-10

⁹ Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Exhortation:

John 12 shows a division that was becoming more and more apparent among the people concerning their opinion about Christ. While those who believed in Christ showed greater love for Christ and His doctrines, those who rejected Him became increasingly intolerant with Him. Among those who loved Him ever more were Martha, Mary and Lazarus. They expressed their love by treating Christ to a delicious meal. Each had a different way of showing their love for Christ. Today we meditate on the loving service of Martha.

Martha served. The Greek root word for served is diakoneo; and it means to be a servant, or to minister to others. It has been used to indicate waiting at a table to offer food and drink to the guests. Occasionally, women preparing food were also described by this term. It is also descriptive of supplying food and other necessities of life, and hence, relieving one’s necessities or taking care of the poor and the sick by those who serve as deacons.

Martha, with much diligence, made a supper for Jesus. Sometimes people speak disparagingly of Martha. But the Lord never chided her for serving but on one occasion for thinking badly of her sister. This time, Martha did not fall into the fault which her Lord once so gently chided; she did her part quietly and well.

We have sisters in our churches whose way of serving Christ is in their own household. They effectively serve the Lord from their homes. Like Martha they labour much to be hospitable. Like the holy women of old, they minister to the Lord of their substance (Lk 8: 2, 3). Their work is with things temporal, but they are nonetheless approved of their loving Master.

Thought:

Our love for Christ is best manifested in our service for Him.

PRAYER

May I serve You in humble love!