Martha - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

They made Him a supper there, and Martha served.
John 12:2

Martha
Three incidents in the Bible recount the story of Martha, showing how she makes spiritual progress.

Martha criticises (Luke 10:38–42): She has invited the Lord Jesus and the twelve disciples to her house. That involves a lot of work. But her sister Mary just sits at the Lord’s feet and listens to Him. Martha gets upset about this. Thus, serving the guests becomes a burden to her. When she addresses the Lord, she criticises her sister’s behaviour. He then defends Mary and rebukes Martha for being worried and troubled about many things.
Martha believes (John 11:1–44): When Lazarus falls ill, she calls on the Lord for help. But Jesus seems to arrive too late. Martha greets Him with the words: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” The further conversation shows that she believes in a future resurrection and acknowledges Jesus as the Christ and Son of God. Thus, Martha testifies to her faith in Him.
Martha serves (John 12:1–8): This meal is quite different from the first one. Now, everyone has found their place. Martha serves the guests, Lazarus sits at the table with the Lord Jesus, and Mary anoints His feet. No one complains anymore. Martha has learned simply to do her service for the Lord and to allow others the freedom to fulfil their own tasks. In this, we can learn from her.

Today’s reading: Ruth 1:1-22 · Psalms 77:11-20