The New Perspective on Mary and Martha: Do Not Preach Mary and Martha Again Until You Read This!

If you, too, are tired of the same old Mary and Martha (Luke 10: 38-42) story with its utterly false dichotomy, the thesis of this book will blow you away: “The Lukan text simply does not specify a meal taking place, or the presence of anyone other than Jesus and Martha.” What!? Mary was not present? Martha was not busy serving dinner? The author’s scholarship on this subject is impressive. I hope this book becomes a runaway bestseller – or at a minimum, mandatory reading in every seminary. This is a must read! Thank you, Mary Stromer Hanson, for this fresh perspective.

Stromer Hanson has uncovered what may have been the original story of Mary and Martha. She finds that Luke 10:38-42 is not at all about Martha being too busy in the kitchen and Mary is not even at home. The absence of her sister is the source of Martha's turmoil. Jesus does know where Mary is, because she is following Jesus in evangelism. Martha wants her sister home, but Jesus says she has made a good choice and he will not demand she give up her ministry.

Some time ago I completed my reading of his extremely interesting book. Mary Hanson has opened my eyes to a different view of the Mary and Martha story. Her detailed analysis and exegesis of the biblical passage is in some ways disturbing, but only because no one else has ever analyzed the text as Hanson describes her process. I can see and even understand her viewpoint, but also, I still see the generally accepted understanding. As Hanson states in her sub-title, I would strongly recommend that preachers and teachers of the scripture, take the time to read this engaging book and settle in their own minds the possibility that Mary was not even in the room when Martha exclaims to Jesus that Mary should be helping her and "not be at the feet of Jesus" as she is depicted many times in paintings. I strongly recommend this book for all Christians as Ms. Hanson has opened up an interesting line of research, study, meditation and understanding in this book.

Over the years, many of us have heard countless messages and devotions on the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible. It was always told in a very straightforward way telling us that Martha was too busy with her household duties, while Mary decided to rest at the feet of Jesus. Mary was always applauded for her actions, and congregants were always warned not to be a Martha. But how can women not be a Martha sometimes, since it has always been assumed that hospitality and household chores were those that a female must fulfill? With her book, A New Perspective on Mary and Martha, Mary Stromer Hanson turns this whole story on its head. She digs deep into commentaries and also into the original Greek, to illuminate a story that we have never yet heard. She uncovers a Mary and a Martha who are both in engaged in ministry and are devout followers of Jesus. These women, as Hanson proves in her book, are learners at the feet of Jesus. They have ministries and not just duties that pertain to housekeeping. I am in awe of the research that Hanson put into this book and have to admit that at times the details were a bit overwhelming, but very satisfying to wade through. This book should be read by everyone in the church from the pastor on down. There is much more to be learned from the Mary and Martha story than we ever could have imagined.--written by Bridgette Ralph