Mensa Otabil - Martha's Service (10/14/2025)
John chapter 12, verse 2. There they made him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. We are introduced to Martha, Lazarus’s sister, and Elijah’s other sister is Mary. We’ll talk about her tomorrow, but the family is close to the Lord Jesus Christ. He would visit them sometimes to rest because these were very close disciples, but they were also close because Lazarus had been raised from the dead by the Lord Jesus Christ.
As was customary in those days, when Jesus came by or any special guest visited, they would lay a table or prepare a meal for the guest, very similar to what we do in our own culture.
A supper was made, and here we see the first sister and what she’s doing. She is devoted to the Lord, and the passage states that she served. Martha was a devoted worshiper of the Lord Jesus Christ who did works and served to show her devotion to Him. There are people who know the Lord, who are close to Him, but don’t engage in any service for God. They might attend church but do nothing. However, here we find people who are close to the Lord and involved in service.
There are two things I want you to note about the service. The first is serving the Lord-that’s what Martha was doing. She was serving the Lord, of course, by going to the kitchen, preparing food, bringing out dishes, and clearing plates. It may not seem like a very big deal if you compare it with what Peter or John were doing, but Martha’s service was as crucial as anyone else’s. There are many ways in which we can also serve the Lord, and if you believe you’re close to God, then find a way to serve Him and do something that benefits Him.
The second thing to notice is that Martha was not just serving the Lord; she was also serving the Lord’s people. Jesus didn’t travel alone; He traveled with at least twelve strong men, most of whom were young, and they ate a lot of food. Additionally, people from the village would come because Jesus was nearby, and people would always show up when He was present. This would mean quite a number of people at home eating this meal, and Martha served both the Lord and the Lord’s people. Our service should reflect this; we can’t just serve God and abandon His people.
You cannot only go to God and say, «Oh, I just want to worship God,» and ignore others. There are people like that who say, «I just want to be in church; it’s between me and God.» Yes, it is between you and God, and it is good to serve Him, but Martha shows us that we must also serve God’s people-people that God loves and cares about. Whomever God cares for, we must also care for. You can’t hate someone that God loves; you cannot abandon someone that God is drawing near.
Martha shows us that when we are close to the Lord, we must not just enjoy that closeness; we must also be involved in serving the Lord and serving His people. So, is that what you’re doing? This is the period during which we contemplate the Lord Jesus Christ. Why don’t you think about your service to the Lord and your service to God’s people? Are you active in your church? Are you involved in the church community? Are you leading any group in the church? Get involved, serve the Lord, and serve God’s people. That’s the example of Martha in John chapter 12, verse 2.
Let’s pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, help me to diligently serve You with my abilities and care for those You care for. In Jesus' name, amen.» And amen. I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.