In the Beginning: The Book of John (John 11:17-27[HCSB])

17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.

18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away).

19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother.

20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.

21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”

23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.

24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die ever. Do you believe this? ”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

Belief in the midst of pain

Mary and Martha lost a brother. They had friends to comfort them, but what they truly yearned for was the comfort of Jesus.

While we understand that Mary and Martha were sisters, and that Lazarus was their brother, maybe it is instructional to look at the differences between the two women.

Of the two, Mary was the more devout of the two, more emotive, yet less outspoken and outgoing. She chose to speak more clearly with her actions such as sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:38-42) falling at His feet (John 11:32) and pouring fragrant oil on His head during Passover (Matthew 26:6-13 and in Mark & John). Martha was the more dominant sister, more verbal, less patient, more industrious, and quick to say what was on her mind. She was more likely to be concerned about preparations and hospitality. (Luke 10:38-42 & John 11:21-27).

Neither woman was better than the other, as they were loved by Jesus for exactly who they were. Mary and Martha were just like brothers and sisters anywhere at any time … one more dominant, one more emotional, one more practical, one more artistic, and so forth. However, it is interesting that both the authors of Scripture, and Biblical commentary, tend to paint a more favorable picture of Mary than Martha.

The reason for this is fairly straight forward I think: in a walk of faith, the more tender and devout are the ones that appear to embody more of what we see as “faithful.” It may also be the trait we are less inclined to as a species.

The best solution: attempt to bring together people with a variety of personalities, skills and gifts so that communities are both sustainable and caring.