Note 1 at Lk. 10:38: There are only three instances in scripture that give us information about Martha ([1] this instance; [2] Jn. 11:1-39; [3] Jn. 12:2). From these accounts, we can see that Martha had a brother named Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead and a sister named Mary (see note 2 at Lk. 10:39, p. 254). Martha had misplaced her priorities in this instance (see note 3 at Lk. 10:42, below) and was corrected by Jesus. Later, at a supper for Jesus in the home of Simon the leper (Mt. 26:6 with Jn. 12:2), Martha was once again serving while Mary her sister was worshiping Jesus by anointing His feet with a costly perfume.

Martha was the first one to run and meet Jesus when He came to their home after the death of Lazarus. It was at this time that Martha said she knew Jesus could have prevented Lazarus from dying and that even then, she knew He could raise him from the dead (Jn. 11:21-22). She made a confession of faith in the deity of Jesus (Jn. 11:27), every bit as strong as Peter's, which received a blessing from Jesus (Mt. 16:16-17).

We see Martha falter in her faith that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead (Jn. 11:39), and then she apparently recovers with Jesus' encouragement. Because of the wording here in verse 38 (i.e. "her house"), it is probable that Martha was the eldest of the three. John 11:5 states that Jesus loved Martha and her brother and sister, and this statement is after the events recorded in this instance. This shows that Jesus corrected--not rebuked--Martha.