Martha page 15

 Martha page 15 by ric gustafson

Martha was sad. Her brother had been dead for four days. 

Just then, Judith ran up to her. " Jesus is coming". She smiled. " He is just outside Bethany".

Martha wasn't sure what to tell her Master. She was mad at him for not coming when Lazarus was really sick.

Jesus came.

" Lord, if you had been here". She frowned at Jesus. " My brother would not have died".

Jesus smiled. " Your brother will rise again".

Martha gave him a puzzled stare. " I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day".

" I am the resurrection and the life". He looked at Martha. " Do you believe that?".

" Yes Lord". She grinned. " I believe that you are the Messiah".

" Please go fetch your sister".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Martha page 14

 Martha page 14 by ric gustafson

Lazarus helped Nathan in his blacksmith shop. One night, he came home with a slight cough. Over time, the cough worsened and settled in his chest.

Anna the healer came. She made a drink of herbs and hot water. It did not help. Poultices on his chest did not help either.

Martha, Mary and Nathan prayed fervently for healing for their brother. Then an idea came to Martha.

" We must send for Jesus". She smiled. " He will know what to do".

" I will go get him". Nathan put his cloak on. " I will bring him to you".

Martha watched their friend leave.

" I hope Jesus get's here in time".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

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Martha page 13

 Martha page 13 by ric gustafson

Martha was tired as she swept the courtyard. With the help of Mary, she was also preparing a meal. They found out Jesus was coming to visit. Later, he arrived with Thomas, Matthew and Judas Iscariot. 

When Martha was ready to put out the platters of food, she looked for her sister to help. She could not find her anywhere. Then she saw her at Jesus's feet as he talked about prayer.

Frustrated, she walked over to Jesus. " Master, do you not care she has left me alone to serve?". She frowned. " Please tell her to help me".

" Martha Martha you are worried and troubled about many things". He smiled at Mary. " Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away".

Martha stepped back. She wanted to cry but she could not. She had just been rebuked by her Master. She sat down on a bench. She was unsure what to do next.

Later, Simon invited Jesus to his home the next time he came to Bethany. Jesus accepted.

Early the next morning, they left.

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

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Martha page 12

 Martha page 12 by ric gustafson

One day, Martha smiled. Jesus had arrived with three of his disciples.

Lazarus hugged Jesus. " Master, we grieve over your cousin John".

" Thank you my friend". Jesus smiled. " Your prayers are needed".

Mary washed their feet.

Martha walked up to Jesus. " Master, we have prepared a room for you".

Jesus and the three stayed for two days.

One morning, Jesus informed them they must leave. " We must return to Capernaum". He hugged Lazarus. " The other disciples will meet us there".

Jesus smiled at Martha and Mary. " I will be back at Passover".

" Master, should you return to Jerusalem?". Anxiety filled Martha's heart. " The leaders plot to get rid of you".

" Do not be concerned about me". Jesus grinned at Martha. " My time has not yet come".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

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Martha page 11

 Martha page 11 by ric gustafson

One night, Lazarus and his sisters were sitting in the courtyard.

" There is a rumor". He sighed. " The Sanhedrin is looking for a way to get rid of Jesus".

Martha became angry. " He's done nothing wrong".

" I have other bad news". He sighed again. " Herod beheaded John the Baptist".

Mary began to cry. " Wasn't he a cousin to Jesus?".

" Yes".

Martha thought for a moment. " Did they bury him?".

" Yes they did". His voice hesitated. " Mary, did Thomas tell you when they will be heading here again?".

Mary blushed. " Thomas told me they have started south again".

" Good". Martha grinned. " We need to prepare for their arrival".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

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Martha page 10

 Martha page 10 by ric gustafson

Jesus smiled at Martha, Lazarus and Mary. " Let me introduce my disciples".

Martha listened as she and Mary set out the meal.

" This is Matthew our record keeper". He had a piercing gaze.

" This is James and his brother John".

" This is Thomas". He smiled at Mary.

" This is Peter and his brother Andrew".

" This is Philip, Nathaniel, James and Simon".

" And this is Judas son of James and our treasurer Judas Iscariot".

The men enjoyed the meal Martha prepared.

At one point, Lazarus asked Jesus a question. " Master, let me follow you?".

" You are needed here". Jesus smiled. " There will come a day when you will serve me".

Lazarus grinned. " Master, our home is yours".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

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Martha page 9

 Martha page 9 by ric gustafson

Martha could not believe the sad news of late. Her father had passed away. Thaddeus, whom she loved and wanted to marry was killed in battle. Now, the wedding of Lazarus and Shua was off. Shua married a man named Tekoa.

Before going back home, Lazarus and Martha decided to seek out this new Rabbi named Jesus. They found him at the Temple. He was speaking to the Pharisees. Martha studied him. He was tall, had a thick beard and a dark complexion. 

" You search the Scriptures". Jesus sighed. " But you are not willing to come to me".

Lazarus turned to a man next to him. " Why are the leaders upset at this Rabbi?".

" He healed a paralyzed man on the Sabbath". His voice hesitated. " It is unlawful to do so".

Lazarus walked up to Jesus. They talked. He walked back to Martha. " We must return quickly".

" Why is that?".

" I invited Jesus and his disciples to come to our house".

research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric