Martha
by Diana Wallis Taylor

List Price: $13.99
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780800734657
Publisher: Revell

She has spent her life caring for others--will she ever find someone who will cherish her? Martha's entire life is marked by her responsibilities to her family. In the absence of her mother, she runs the household, makes the meals, cares for her father, and attempts to keep her absentminded younger sister on task. In the midst of her duties, will she ever find time to live her own life --- or find her own love?

This touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus, unveils the woman within the Bible character. Through Diana Wallis Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired fusion of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world --- her trials, triumphs, and loves --- vibrantly comes to life.

Follow Martha as she navigates the complicated worlds of family, faith, and love…and you'll never read her story the same way again.

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1. What is your impression of Martha’s character at the beginning of the story?

2. Do you think Martha’s reasons for postponing marriage are reasonable/ Would you do the same thing in her place?

3. Do you think the factors in Martha’s life contribute to her “take charge” attitude?

4. Why was Martha so vulnerable to the Roman officer? What decision would you make if faced with the same offer?

5. Though not described, since we have no record of the description of Jesus, how does He appear to you? If you had to describe Him, what would you say?

6. Why do you feel Martha and Mary were so devastated and almost accusing when Jesus finally arrived, four days after their brother died? Why would they expect Him to come sooner?

7. When do you begin to suspect Nathan’s feelings for Martha? What changes does Martha see in him over the years?

8. Since Jesus, an Orthodox Jew in His day, would not be able to enter the house of someone afflicted with leprosy, it was necessary to have Simon healed. Why do you think they still called him Simon the Leper?

9. Discuss the different reactions of those present when Mary poured the ointment on Jesus. If you had been there and watched wheat Mary did, what would your reaction be?

10. With Mary and Thomas gone, and Lazarus running for his life, Martha was left alone. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt as Martha did?

11. Why do you think Nathan finally ignored etiquette and came to Martha himself?

12. What do you think the future held for Martha, Mary and Lazarus?

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