Martha
The Open-Door Thinker
- Imaginative
- Organised
- Outgoing
- Warm
Marthas bring people together and make room for the conversations that matter. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, then later went out to meet him and spoke with him about resurrection.
An illustrative Big Five pattern. Further out means a stronger tendency; emotional balance varies from person to person.
They have people over, get things organised and go out to meet whoever is coming. In the middle of it all, they are thinking about the big questions of life and faith.
They get things done for people because they care, and they ask the hard questions while they do.
Strengths
Big questions welcome
Life, death, faith, what comes next: they are not afraid to think about them. Martha talked with Jesus about resurrection before he had even reached the village.
They get it running
Food, chairs, who is doing what: they organise it and keep it going until the job is done. At the meal in Bethany, Martha served while the others sat at the table.
Out to meet people
They are often willing to make the first approach. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him.
An open home
They may enjoy having people round and thinking about what guests need. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and served the meal.
Watch-outs
You may keep working while friends are visiting
You see everything that needs doing and you like it finished. Choose one job that can wait, and go and sit with your guests.
You may look after everyone without asking for help
You look after everyone, and you may end up doing it all alone. Ask one person for one specific bit of help before the evening starts.
You may start chatting before a guest is ready
You may start a lively conversation as soon as someone arrives. Say hello, then ask whether they want to join the chat or settle in first.
Martha as a friend
As friends, Marthas often enjoy bringing people together and looking after the details. They may be just as interested in a late-night conversation as in making the evening run well.
Friends who pitch in and ask what they think can help them feel valued for their company as well as their help.
What helps them feel close
- Friends who offer to take one job off their hands.
- People who sit and talk once the food is out.
- Someone who asks what they think, not only what they can do.
In everyday life
Youth group
At youth group or on a team, they set up, greet people at the door and keep things moving. When the discussion starts, they ask the question that takes it deeper.
School
They may enjoy a clear plan alongside room to explore the big questions behind a subject. Talking an idea through with friends is one way to approach it.
Faith
God sees them and loves them before the serving starts. Jesus wants them with him even with nothing finished to show.
What important question have you been putting into words?
Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and was busy with the serving, and at another meal in Bethany she served again. When her brother Lazarus had died and she heard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him.
She told him what she believed, heard him say, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and answered, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ.”