Reading between the Lines: Martha and Mary

Martha and Mary show up in the Gospels in a few short scenes, that show us Jesus’ ministry and continuing to grow and expand and that the care supporters are showing him is mutual. Jesus’ heartbreak at Lazarus’ death is real. The network of safety is strengthening as Jesus is beginning to return to supporters’ homes multiple times; this network of care and safety will be especially important as the religious and political leaders continue their plotting for Jesus’ arrest and trial. We don’t learn exactly how Martha and Mary supported Jesus’ followers after his death, but what we know from scripture indicates that would have been part of that network.

 

These two women also show us that Jesus is able to be present in the midst of a faith that is scrappy and vulnerable. They did not hide their sibling disagreements when they hosted Jesus at Martha’s home. They did not hide their grief and anger when Jesus didn’t show up in the time between Lazarus’ illness and his death. And, not only did they not hide it, they broadcast it in front of the entire crowd, trusting that Jesus’ love and care for them could handle a public accusation and that it would not waver.

 

CW: death

 

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