Martha and her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, are Jesus’ friends in Bethany. In Luke 10:38-42, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, Martha is busy serving. When she complains to Jesus, he says: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. … Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Just before Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44), Martha confesses: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” She is the patron of cooks and servers.
