Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 20

When examining the verse "Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house," we see a clear distinction between the actions of Martha and Mary upon hearing of Jesus's arrival. Martha's immediate reaction was one of action and urgency as she went out to meet Jesus. This demonstrates her proactive nature and eagerness to seek the presence of Jesus. On the other hand, Mary chose to remain in the house, showcasing a different approach to encountering Jesus. While Martha's response was outwardly focused, Mary's decision to stay put may reflect a sense of contemplation or introspection. This contrast between Martha's active response and Mary's passive one provides insight into their individual personalities and relationship with Jesus. Both Martha and Mary's reactions offer valuable lessons to readers about the various ways one can approach encounters with Jesus, whether through action or contemplation.

In this verse, we see Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, reacting in different ways to the news of Jesus' arrival. Martha is proactive and immediately goes out to meet Jesus, while Mary remains inside the house. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the different personalities and responses of these two women. Martha's actions reflect her practical and service-oriented nature, as she is known for her hospitality and willingness to serve others. On the other hand, Mary's decision to stay in the house may signify her contemplative and introspective nature, as she is later praised for her devotion to Jesus. This verse invites us to reflect on how we respond to the presence of Jesus in our lives - are we like Martha, eager to serve and act, or like Mary, choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus in reflection and worship?