Yes, they were sisters but as life often shows us, people from the same family generally are totally different.
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he (Jesus) entered into a certain village: and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she helps me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38-42, KJV)
We can think of it this way. Martha owns the house. A bunch of freeloading family members lives there. The crowd is big. The menu was too exotic. Had she already asked Mary to help? She wants someone else to fix her problem.
Mary has just washed Jesus’ feet with perfume. She wants to bask in that glory a bit longer. She never was a helper. Her sister had already asked for help. Mary flaunted tradition by sitting with men and having her head uncovered in their presence. Maybe she expected Martha to chastise her and thought, I will get as much as I can out of this moment. Sister will yell anyway.
Truth? I don’t know and neither do you. We often project our lives into Bible truths. We can ask them both when we get to heaven.
Which sister is your favorite?
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