Martha: Cut Her Some Slack
A fresh look at John 11:17-22
When we talk about Mary and Martha, the usual picture is familiar: Mary, sitting at Jesus’s feet, soaking in His words; Martha, busy, distracted, flustered, and gently corrected by the Lord. And because of that one moment, Martha often gets labelled as the “unspiritual one,” the practical sister, the one who missed the point.
But when I was reading John 11:17-22, something struck me so strongly that I had to stop and rethink Martha entirely. Because in this passage (in the middle of grief, confusion, and loss) Martha shows a depth of faith that is anything but unspiritual.
A different Martha emerges
John tells us that when Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. The house was full of mourners. Mary was sitting inside, surrounded by people, wrapped in grief.
But Martha – the one we often accuse of being too busy to notice spiritual things – did something remarkable.
She ran to Him.
“As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met Him.”
(John 11:20)The supposedly “unspiritual” sister was the first one at Jesus’s feet.
The “even now” statement
When Martha reaches Jesus, her words come out of a place of grief, honesty, and deep trust. Scripture gives us her full statement:
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
“But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
(John 11:21-22)
This is not a woman lacking faith.
This is not a woman who only thinks practically.
This is not a woman spiritually inferior to her sister.
This is a woman who believes even now.
Even now – after death.
Even now – after four days in the tomb.
Even now – when hope seems gone.
Even now – when everyone else has settled into mourning.
Martha still believes that Jesus can ask the Father for anything… and receive it.
Her “even now” is not timid. It’s not theoretical. It’s not polite religious language. It’s bold, relational trust in Jesus’s authority with the Father.
A Commentary
One commentary I read pointed out that this is not just grief speaking and not just emotion. It’s a settled confidence in who Jesus is and what He can do.
In fact, a few verses later, Martha makes another confession that rivals Peter’s famous declaration:
“Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God.”
(John 11:27)
The sister people thought was “less spiritual” ends up making one of the clearest statements in the New Testament about who Jesus really is.
Maybe we misjudged her
Martha wasn’t faithless.
She wasn’t shallow.
She wasn’t spiritually dull.
She was a woman who ran to Jesus when everything fell apart.
She was a woman who spoke faith when others sat in silence.
She was a woman who believed in the “even now” of God.
And maybe – just maybe – we need to cut her some slack.
Because Martha shows us something beautiful:
Faith doesn’t always look like sitting still.
Sometimes faith looks like running toward Him with an “even now” in your mouth.
May God bless you all,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)
Note from Brother Don — click to open
I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.
You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.
Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open
If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.
Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.
A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:
- God created you for relationship with Him.
- Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
- We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
- He rose again, defeating sin and death.
- Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
- Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
- We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.
A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”
What to Do Next:
1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team
and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you,
pray with you, and help you grow.
2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place
to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new
or simply curious.
Visit the Alpha Course website
3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential
message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is
if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the
appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
