Inside-Out Hospitality

Biblical hospitality is not only about serving—it’s also about the posture of the heart when serving. In Luke 10:38-42, we are invited into the home of Martha, a devoted host whose love for Jesus was expressed through action, preparation, and responsibility. In this episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight, we explore inside-out hospitality through Martha’s story—one that challenges us to examine the tension between service and presence, busyness and intimacy, and doing for Jesus versus being with Him.

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Host:
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight, where we highlight Bible characters who modelled hospitality and uncover the lessons we can apply today. If you’re new here—welcome! Feel at home 😊

So far on the show, we’ve hosted two incredible men: Father Abraham and Reuel, the Priest of Midian. But today…is special.

We are welcoming our first woman on the show! A powerhouse. A go-getter. If there was ever an event in Bethany—or even beyond—for 2 people or 200,000 people, she would be the one they’d call. She delivers. Every. Single. Time.

She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus, gives strong firstborn energy (coughs), and is famously known for one very eventful dinner with Jesus.

Let’s welcome Martha of Bethany!

(Audience claps. Martha walks in while on the phone.)

Martha:
No, no—250 decorated chairs. Yes, flowers included. The total budget remains 15M. Please confirm with the caterer. Thank you.

Host (waving):
Martha… Martha… hello?

Martha:
Oh! Hello everyone—sorry about that. I have a major women’s event coming up for International Women’s Day, and preparations are in full swing. But please forgive me—this is not why I’m here. I’m so glad to be on the Inside-Out Hospitality Blog. Though honestly, I’m surprised you invited me… especially after how my first dinner with Jesus went. (hides face)

Host:
Yes… that dinner! We’ll definitely get to it. But before that, we have to ask—you were supposed to be here last week. When we didn’t hear from you, we assumed you had declined the invitation.

Martha:
Oh no, no. The invitation just got lost in the mail. You know… my mailbox is always overflowing with event invites. I asked Mary to help me sort them, but—anyway—I’m here now.

Host:
You are indeed. Let’s dive right in. Martha, let’s talk about the moment that made you famous.

In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus said to you:

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NLT)

How did that make you feel… really?

Martha:
Ahhh… my chest. Real talk? I felt everything—embarrassment, frustration, disappointment. I wanted the ground to open up so I could disappear. I had worked so hard, poured myself out, and when I finally spoke up… that was the response?

I felt exposed. Called out. And honestly? Defensive. I wanted to explain myself. The food wasn’t for me—it was for Jesus and His disciples! They were tired. Hungry. Someone had to meet their needs.

But here’s the truth I eventually saw: Jesus had been calling me to sit with Him all along. I was just too busy in the kitchen to hear Him. He even called my name twice because I was that distracted.

Host (smiling knowingly):
That sounds… very relatable.

Martha:
Very. And then something shifted. After the embarrassment and frustration had passed, I felt peace. Real peace. That aha moment.

Host:
What did you finally understand?

Martha:
Jesus never said serving was wrong. The problem was my worry, my anxiety, and my need for everything to be perfect. I had placed unnecessary pressure on myself. I wanted to do it big—after all, when the King of Kings is in your house, you want to go above and beyond.

But here’s what I realised: I was so focused on preparation that I missed presence.

I would cook, clean, arrange everything beautifully… and by the time my guests arrived, I was either exhausted or emotionally unavailable. They left with full stomachs and Pinterest-worthy inspiration—but nothing about Jesus. I didn’t even ask how they were really doing.

My questions were always: How’s the food? Want more dessert?
But I missed their souls’ needs.

Jesus was teaching me that hospitality is more than spotless homes and fancy meals. It’s about making space for people—and for God—in the moment.

Host:
That’s powerful. And we see growth in your story. In John 12:2, we find you serving again—but this time, no complaints. No frustration. Just service.

Martha:
Yes. I learned to serve without grumbling and to sit at His feet where rest is found.

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Host:
That balance is something many of us still struggle with. We complain about money, time, space, privacy, lack of appreciation… and yet Jesus invites us to a better way.

Martha, how did things go between you and Mary after that moment?

Martha:
We were good. Mary actually helped a lot before Jesus arrived. My issue was that I kept adding more at the last minute. I didn’t know when to stop.

I’m still learning. Some days I succeed; other days, the Martha in me wants to do just one more thing. But Jesus is patient with me. He’s helping me maintain a daily balance.

Host:
We’re so glad you joined us today. And dear readers, this conversation is not over.

After the break, Martha will share how to recognise when we’re out of balance—and offer practical tips for hospitable living without burnout.

Stay tuned for Part 2. If you have questions for Martha, drop them in the comments below.

(To be continued…)

PS: This piece is a creative reflection inspired by Scripture, not a literal retelling of biblical events.