“And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.”– John 11:28 (KJV)
“Then she returned to her sister, Mary, and called her aside from the mourners. She told her, ‘The Teacher is here and wants to see you.'”– John 11:28 (NLT)
“After this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, ‘The Teacher is here and is asking for you.’– John 11:28 (MSG)
What Does John 11:28 Mean?
In this passage, we see a profound moment in the story of Lazarus’s resurrection. After the death of her brother, Mary and Martha were filled with sorrow and grief. Jesus had just arrived at their home, and Martha was speaking to Him about her brother’s death and the faith she had in Him. When Martha declared that Jesus was the Messiah, she went to call her sister Mary to share extraordinary news that Jesus was asking for her. This sets up a key moment in the narrative where both sisters interact with Jesus in deeply personal ways.
This verse showcases Martha’s role in the story. Her willingness to not only face her grief but also to share the presence of Jesus adds layers of meaning to the moment. Martha represents those of us who, in the face of hardship, understand the importance of sharing hope with others, especially when it comes to faith. It reflects how family and community play vital roles in supporting one another during challenging times.
John 11:28 Explanation and Commentary
This passage is not just about Martha calling Mary; it’s about connection and the deep yearnings of the human heart in times of distress. Martha knew the value of reaching out to her sister. Jesus’ ability to comfort and restore life had created a strong sense of trust and hope in Martha. When she went to find Mary, it symbolizes a moment of sharing, of reaching out to those we love. We can feel the urgency in Martha’s actions. This is a call to gather, to unite in faith, and to support each other.
Jesus’ presence is transformative. When we learn that He calls for us, it signifies His desire for relationship, healing, and understanding. Through Martha calling Mary, we see that Jesus is not distant; rather, He is actively involved in our lives. When Martha tells Mary, “The Teacher is here,” it emphasizes the intimate connection that Jesus desires to have with each of us. His invitation to Mary is a reminder that we are never forgotten or abandoned in our times of need.
Mary’s response to this call is equally significant. She rushed to Jesus, not hesitating for a moment. In our lives, how do we respond when we feel the call of Jesus? Do we take the time to approach Him with our burdens? This narrative invites us to evaluate our readiness to seek Jesus when He calls us. In our struggles, it’s essential that we remember Jesus is there for us, waiting for our willingness to come to Him.
In a broader sense, this verse encourages us to reach out to others who might be struggling. Just like Martha, we are called to be vessels of hope and connection. When we see others burdened by grief or despair, it can be our responsibility to inform them of Jesus’ presence in their lives. In sharing His message of love, we can help provide comfort and support to those in need.
Ultimately, John 11:28 reminds us that Jesus calls us not just to ourselves, but to each other as well. As we face life’s uncertainties, let’s take a page from Martha’s book and reach out to our loved ones, encouraging them to draw closer to Jesus. We all need the love and grace that He provides, and together we can build a strong community of faith.
Context of John 11:28
Understanding the context of John 11:28 helps us appreciate its depth. The entire chapter revolves around the story of Lazarus, who was dearly loved by his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Lazarus fell ill, the sisters sent for Jesus, hoping He would come and heal him. However, Jesus delayed His visit, which led to Lazarus’s passing. Martha and Mary grappled with their feelings of loss, pain, and a sense of abandonment, questioning why Jesus had not arrived in time.
This moment highlights a significant theme in the Bible—faith amid grief. Jesus had a special relationship with this family, and His delay was not a sign of neglect. Rather, it was to demonstrate the power of glory that God would reveal through Lazarus’s death and subsequent resurrection. This is a powerful reminder that, even when we feel abandoned in our darkest hours, God has a plan that is far greater than we can comprehend.
When Martha goes to find Mary, she does so knowing the grief her sister is experiencing. We can empathize with both of them. Their anguish signals the very nature of human struggles with death and pain. Through Martha’s message, we get the sense of urgency in our need to share hope with each other. The act of reaching out is not just about comfort but also about the recognition of God’s presence in our lives. We find hope and healing in community.
Furthermore, once Mary arrives at Jesus, she falls at His feet, echoing much of Martha’s previous sentiments. She expresses her own grief and disappointment, further illustrating the depth of their sorrow. Jesus meets Mary with compassion, weeping for the loss of His beloved friend. In these moments, we witness Jesus’ humanity, which reflects God’s deep love and empathy for our suffering. This illustrates how deeply He cares for us, inviting us into a relationship that is both personal and transformative.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:28
This verse can be broken down into a few significant parts that illuminate its importance. The first part is Martha’s action of going to get her sister, which reflects her desire to connect, share, and provide comfort. This is symbolic of how we, as followers of Christ, should approach those in despair around us, be it friends, family, or even strangers.
The second part is the message that Martha delivers: “The Teacher is here and calls for you.” This title, ‘the Teacher,’ identifies Jesus in a way that stresses His authority, wisdom, and love for those He teaches. It is an acknowledgment of His divine role in their lives and in our lives today. It signifies that He is ever-present and actively seeks us, wanting to guide us through our struggles.
Mary’s reaction to Martha’s news is crucial. She responded immediately, demonstrating her closeness to Jesus and the respect she held for Him. Her quick response is a call for us to examine our own responses when we feel the gentle urging of Jesus in our lives. Are we ready to go to Him? Are we swift in recognizing His call? Mary’s urgency is a challenge to us to be as responsive in our faith journeys.
Finally, the emotional undertones of this scenario cannot be overstated. The act of grieving together, the expressions of hope, and the anticipation of healing all represent the human experience in relation to divine encounters. Jesus stands at the center of it all, ready to transform sorrow into joy and bring life from death. The very relationship He has with us provides comfort in our times of grief.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:28
This passage offers several vital lessons that we can incorporate into our lives. The first lesson is the importance of community. Martha reached out to Mary during a difficult time, reminding us of our need for connection with one another. We are not an isolated people; we thrive when we support each other. Sharing in moments of joy and sorrow builds strong bonds and allows us to experience God’s love in more authentic ways. We should remember to be there for our friends and family, just as Martha was for Mary.
Another lesson is the significance of recognizing Jesus’ call in our lives. Martha knew that Jesus wanted to connect with Mary, and she acted on that knowledge. Likewise, we ought to be attentive to the ways Jesus calls us. Whether we hear it through prayer, the word of God, or the encouragement of friends, being receptive to that call can lead to profound transformations in our lives.
We also learn that our faith can flourish in times of adversity. Martha’s faith remained strong despite her loss. She did not hesitate to speak to Jesus, sharing both her sorrow and her belief in His power. This kind of faith can inspire us to take our doubts and struggles directly to Jesus, knowing that He listens and cares deeply for us. Struggles can lead to deeper faith and trust in God.
Additionally, we are encouraged to echo the message of hope to others. When we find healing, joy, or comfort through our trials, it is our responsibility to share it with those who may be going through similar experiences. Just as Martha brought Mary to Jesus, we should be eager to guide others towards the hope found in Christ. By sharing our testimonies, we can serve as vessels of encouragement and strength for those in need.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, John 11:28 does more than recount an event; it encourages us to reflect on the profound ways that Jesus interacts with our lives, especially during times of grief and uncertainty. He is inviting us to come to Him, just as He invited Mary. By connecting with Jesus, we find healing, hope, and renewal.
Let’s take time to pause and consider how we can support one another, building stronger communities centered around our shared faith in Jesus. Whether through prayer, conversation, or simply being present, we can create spaces where individuals feel safe to express their heartaches and find refuge in God’s love. Together, we have the opportunity to encourage others to respond to the gentle call of our Teacher, who longingly waits for us all.
As we continue to explore more topics that inspire our faith, we can look at stories and lessons that further strengthen our understanding. For more insight, explore John 7:12 and discover how Jesus’ interactions guide us today. Let’s remain rooted in His love as we journey forward, supporting each other in every season of life.