Today, the Church commemorates three saints – and they are siblings – Martha, Mary Magdalene and Lazarus. These three saints were not just ordinary disciples of the Lord during their lifetime. They were dear friends of the Lord. Their home in Bethany have never been wanting of Jesus’s presence whenever Jesus and His disciples are in the area.
Three Saints, Three Different Testimonies of Friendship with Jesus
Martha – The Active Servant
Martha is often remembered for her busyness, serving and preparing meals for Jesus. While she was gently corrected by the Lord for being anxious and distracted, she also showed tremendous faith. In John 11, after Lazarus’ death, she boldly proclaims:
“I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
She is a witness that service and faith can go hand in hand, as long as we remember to center our work around Christ.
Mary Magdalene – The Contemplative Heart
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening with devotion and love. Her quiet presence speaks volumes. In her, we see the soul that chooses “the better part” — intimacy with the Lord over the demands of the world. Mary reminds us to pause, to listen, and to make room for God even in the chaos of life.
Lazarus – A Living Testimony
Lazarus doesn’t speak much in the Gospels, but his very life — especially after being raised from the dead by Jesus — becomes a powerful testimony of God’s glory. Lazarus shows us that sometimes our witness is not in our words, but in the transformation that God brings into our lives.
A Home of Friendship and Faith
What’s truly beautiful is that this was a family, a household, that welcomed Jesus in — not just physically, but into the heart of their lives. In a time when families are busy and pulled in many directions, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus offer a powerful example of how a home can become a domestic church, a place where Christ is known, loved, and served.
