Mary and Martha
Bex and Sarah are sisters who both work in the Wild Olive Tree Café. It was easy for them to enter the spirit of the family dynamic of Mary and Martha, during the photo-shoot for the painting.
Although he is not included explicitly in the story, Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, is represented in the painting by Bex and Sarah’s brother, Samuel.
This was the 3rd painting in the series to use a rose motif. In “The Widow’s Son”, roses become a symbol of death and resurrection. The model for “The Crucifixion” also had a rose tattoo.
It seemed appropriate to hint at the death and resurrection of Lazarus in the background of this painting.
At the home of Mary and Martha
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’
Luke 10:38-42 (NIVUK)
Downloads
Explore this painting in more detail with our free PDF including colour-in section.
Mary and Martha: Painting Handout Download
This study considers both the Biblical text and the painting on which it is based, encouraging participants to think about how to apply the Biblical text to their context.
Mary and Martha: Bible Study Download
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The Portrait Gospel
The Gospel of Luke uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell
The Portrait Gospel is uniquely illustrated by Iain Campbell. By using modern day Glaswegians as his models, Iain’s compelling paintings bring 21st century life to the words of a first century disciple.
Copies of The Portrait Gospel are available to buy in person from St George’s Tron Church, Glasgow.
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