Martha's Faith

Martha of Bethany is shown in a moment of grief and confession, her tear-filled eyes lifted upward and her hands gathered tightly at her veil. The portrait reflects the sorrow surrounding the death of Lazarus, yet it also points to Martha’s remarkable declaration of faith when she met Jesus before the tomb. In John 11, Martha grieves honestly, saying that her brother would not have died if Jesus had been there, but she also confesses trust in Him and proclaims, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Her upturned face becomes a visual testimony to faith held in the presence of death, waiting for the resurrection power of Christ. This artwork suits teaching on bereavement, resurrection hope, women of faith, pastoral care, funeral ministry, and the story of Jesus raising Lazarus.