Mary, Martha, and Lazarus: The Siblings of Bethany

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” – John 11:5

Every year on July 29, the Church celebrates the lives of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany—siblings, saints, and beloved friends of Jesus. Their home was a place of rest and relationship for the Lord, a space where He was welcomed, known, and deeply loved.

This feast reminds us that being close to Christ doesn't always mean preaching to crowds or performing miracles. Sometimes it simply means offering Him a place at your table.

The Bethany Household: A Place of Rest

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were more than just biblical characters. They were real people who opened their home to Jesus during His ministry. When we picture them, we don’t see a throne room or a temple—we see a kitchen, a quiet sitting room, and a place of refuge.

In their story, we discover that hospitality, friendship, and faithfulness are all expressions of holiness. Their shared feast day invites us to bring Christ into our everyday lives and relationships.

Martha: Faith in Action

Martha is often remembered for being busy, perhaps even distracted, as she prepared to serve Jesus (Luke 10:38–42). But in the Gospel of John, she reveals herself to be a woman of deep and courageous faith.

After her brother’s death, she meets Jesus on the road and proclaims:

“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27)

In that moment, Martha becomes a theologian and a witness. Her story teaches us that faith and service belong together.

Mary: The Listener and the Lover

Mary of Bethany appears in moments of stillness and worship. She is the one who sits at Jesus' feet to listen, and later, the one who anoints His feet with costly perfume (John 12:1–8).

She doesn’t always have the words, but her actions speak of intimacy and devotion. She teaches us the value of presence, attention, and wholehearted love.

Lazarus: A Living Sign of Hope

Lazarus is the quiet one among the siblings, but his story is unforgettable. In John 11, we see Jesus grieving at his tomb—and then calling him back to life.

Jesus wept for Lazarus. He entered into the pain of Mary and Martha. And then He did something astonishing: He called Lazarus out of the grave.

Lazarus reminds us that God meets us in our sorrow and speaks life where we thought there was only death. His life became a sign of the resurrection to come.

Why This Feast Matters Today

In 2021, the Church officially combined their individual commemorations into a single feast day, recognizing them as a household of saints—united in love, service, and friendship with Jesus.

Their stories encourage us to:

  • Welcome Christ into our homes and hearts
  • Serve and worship in our own unique ways
  • Live with faith and compassion in daily life
  • Trust in the hope of resurrection

In a world where so much attention is given to success and spectacle, the family of Bethany reminds us that God also dwells in the simple, quiet spaces of our lives.

A Prayer for the Feast of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

God of mercy and friendship,
You loved the family of Bethany—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—
and made their home a place of peace and welcome.
Help us to open our lives to You with the same love and trust.
Teach us to serve with Martha, listen with Mary,
and believe with Lazarus.
May we always make room for You.
Amen.

Closing Thought

Whether you are a Martha today—busy and burdened,
a Mary—longing to sit and listen,
or a Lazarus—waiting for renewal,
know this: Christ comes to dwell with you.

May your life be a Bethany—a place where Jesus is always welcome.

Leave a comment below:
How do you experience the spirit of Bethany in your daily life?
Do you relate more to Mary, Martha, or Lazarus?


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