When we look carefully at Mary and Martha of Bethany, we are struck by the differences in their temperaments in Luke’s account of Jesus coming to their home as a guest. Martha bustled about serving him, while Mary sat at his feet to learn from him.

We are also struck by the roles these women play in the Gospel of John. Mary, who listens to Jesus’ words, takes action to demonstrate her love. She anoints Jesus feet, a gesture he labels prophetic, a preparation for his burial. Martha, who is distracted by many tasks, demonstrates her learning when she makes the central Christological confession in the Gospel. Outside the tomb of her dead brother Lazarus, she says to Jesus, “I know you are the Christ, the son of God...” These are the same words Peter speaks at Caesarea Philippi in the synoptic gospels.