Early Life and Historical Context
St. Martha of Bethany—often referred to simply as St. Martha—was a Jewish woman who lived in the first century AD in the village of Bethany, near Jerusalem. She was the sister of Mary and Lazarus and is best known from the canonical Gospels for her close relationship with Jesus Christ, who was a frequent guest in their home (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-44; John 12:1-8). Tradition places her birth in the latter part of the 1st century BC and her death around 80 AD, though precise dates are not historically verifiable.
Biblical Accounts
St. Martha appears in several key New Testament passages:
Luke 10:38-42: Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and is depicted as busy with serving, while her sister Mary listens at Jesus’ feet. Martha's interaction with Jesus leads to His gentle admonition, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful." This passage has historically illustrated the virtues of hospitality and service.
John 11:1-44: Martha plays a central role in the account of her brother Lazarus's death and resurrection. Here, she expresses profound faith in Jesus as "the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world" (John 11:27). Her conversation with Jesus before He raises Lazarus from the dead is among the most significant confessions of faith in the Gospels.
John 12:1-8: Six days before Passover, Martha is again serving at a dinner in Bethany, demonstrating her enduring role of hospitality.
Tradition and Later Legends
According to Western Christian tradition, after the events of the New Testament, Martha, her siblings, and some companions were said to have fled persecution in Judea and traveled to southern France, landing at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. In the Provençal tradition, Martha is credited with taming a dragon-like creature called the Tarasque in the region of Tarascon, a story that symbolizes her spiritual strength and victory over evil.
Veneration and Iconography
St. Martha is venerated in both Eastern and Western Christianity. She is often depicted in art holding a ladle, keys, or a pot—symbols of her hospitality—or accompanied by a dragon, referencing the Provençal legend. Her relics are said to rest at Tarascon, where a basilica is dedicated to her.
Saint Martha Pray for us!