Saturday, April 12
Martha
Bethany, the home of Martha and her sister Mary.
“Lazarus refuses to take the threats of danger seriously.” Mary was beside herself with worry. He says ‘I know what death is. How can I fear what Pharisees can do?’”
“We’ll just have to persuade him to go,” Martha answered. “He will be safe in Antioch with our friends and it won’t be forever.”
It wasn’t easy, but the sisters finally got their brother to agree to the trip. Martha’s next chore was more challenging.
“Mary,” she said, “you must go with him. He is still weak from his illness and will need nursing. You yourself are fragile and need to be far away from angry mobs.”
“But you are in danger as much as we are,” Mary pointed out.
“I’ve spoken with our friend Nicodemus,” she answered. “He is sending his bodyguard Samson to keep me safe. I plan to spend the eight days of unleavened bread with Jesus and his disciples.”
Mary was convinced to go after many protests and tears. With great relief, Martha saw her sister and Lazarus packed in the wagon with all the necessary luggage, medications and gifts for their host. Then she packed for herself and prepared to leave for Jerusalem with Samson.
When they arrived in the city, she and Samson met with Jesus’ disciple Andrew at a prearranged location. Samson returned to Nicodemus, leaving Andrew and Martha to walk a confusing pattern of side streets and alleyways. Finally they arrived at a large, plain building which contained a spacious upper room. There they met a crowd of Jesus’ disciples and the faithful women who traveled with them in support.
Martha did not see the events of the week before the Passover feast. She remained in the upper room to make preparations for the supper all would share. She explained to the other women that she had brought flour and oil and would bake the unleavened bread needed for the meal. The others knew her skills and were glad to give her this privilege.
Tensions were high in the upper room throughout the week. The unrest in the city, the imposing Roman presence, the well-known plottings of the Temple authorities increased the worries of the disciples. Only Jesus remained calm.
At last it was time for the feast of unleavened bread. With the paschal lamb were many items provided by well-wishers: wine from Cana, bitter herbs the gift of Nicodemus, a sweet made of dried fruit and nuts from Capernaum, spicy radishes served in salty tears, roasted eggs pointing to the future and Martha’s special bread.
Martha listened closely to the prayers, the table conversations and the last instructions of Jesus. She saw him break the loaf and offer the bread of life. She saw him pour the wine and pass the cup. She listened as the disciples sang a final hymn and watched as they joined Jesus and went out to walk across the city to the Mount of Olives to pray. At last, the remains of the feast were put away and the room put in order.
Then Martha sat down to wait for Jesus’ return.
Guy Johnson