“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.”– John 11:20 (KJV)
“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.”– John 11:20 (NLT)
“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house.”– John 11:20 (MSG)
What Does John 11:20 Mean?
The verse John 11:20 captures a poignant moment in the story of Lazarus, where Martha and Mary, two sisters, respond differently to the arrival of Jesus following the death of their brother. This passage illustrates not only the deep grief and loss the sisters are experiencing but also the distinct personalities and responses to crises that people have. Martha, showing her proactive nature, takes the initiative to meet Jesus, highlighting her faith and urgency. In contrast, Mary’s choice to remain in the house reveals her profound sorrow and perhaps a need for solitude in her grief. Together, their responses allow us to see varying expressions of mournful love and faith in the face of tragedy.
When contemplating the significance of this verse, we can recognize that Martha’s action is symbolic of faith in action. By going out to meet Jesus, she demonstrates not just a desire to speak with him, but a readiness to confront her reality. She is willing to engage with Jesus in a time of profound pain. This willingness to reach out to Jesus speaks volumes about her character. It also reflects a deep-seated belief in His ability to offer comfort and possibly hope even in despair. Mary’s reaction, although different, does not minimize her faith. Instead, it offers another dimension, showcasing that in times of trial, some might seek solitude to process their emotions.
John 11:20 Explanation and Commentary
In John 11:20, we see Martha’s approach to the alarming news of Jesus’ arrival. She hears that He is coming and instantly moves to engage with Him. This is notable because it highlights her desire for interaction with Jesus. For Martha, the act of seeking out Jesus signifies a hope that is tethered to faith; she believes that Jesus has the answers or can offer assistance in their time of need. Her choice to approach Jesus is a demonstration of not just her love for Him but also her belief in His capability to change their circumstances.
Looking at Martha’s faith, we might draw parallels to our experiences. When faced with trials, there’s a temptation to wallow in despair. Yet Martha exemplifies a proactive approach that we can learn from. She reminds us that even amidst grief, we can reach out to God. We can turn to Jesus with our concerns and disappointments. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we hesitate to approach God in our pain? Martha’s courageous step can inspire us to do so, knowing that God desires to be involved in our struggles.
Speaking of faith, we should also consider Mary’s response. She remains in the house while Martha goes out to Jesus. This does not indicate a lack of faith; rather, it reveals the diverse ways individuals process grief and distress. Sometimes, we need time alone to come to terms with our emotions. Oftentimes in the busyness of our lives, we forget that it is okay to grieve and seek solace. Mary understood her need for that space to grieve, and this too is a part of the human experience. In moments of loss, we might feel overwhelmed and not see a way through, yet Jesus sees us even in our stillness.
In conclusion, John 11:20 offers a glimpse into the hearts of two women navigating the painful reality of their brother’s death. Their unique responses bring richness to the narrative, showing us that there’s not just one way to approach Christ in our sorrow. We may find comfort in knowing we can engage with Jesus in varied ways, and it’s perfectly valid to be at different places in our spiritual journeys.
Context of John 11:20
This passage occurs in John 11, which tells the dramatic story of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary. Lazarus falls ill, and his sisters send for Jesus, hoping He will come to heal him. However, Jesus deliberately delays His arrival until Lazarus has died. This sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over life and death.
The context of John 11:20 should be viewed in light of the previous verses. Jesus’ decision not to come immediately may seem confusing or even insensitive, but it is rooted in a greater purpose. Jesus aims to demonstrate His power and glory not only in healing but also as the resurrection and the life. When Martha encounters Jesus, it marks a crucial moment in understanding who He truly is. This situation unfolds with layers of emotional turmoil, for both sisters are grappling with their anguish in distinct ways, amplifying the story’s depth.
As we further explore this chapter, we discover that the complexity of human emotions mirrors our faith journey. Sometimes, we might find ourselves in Martha’s position, wanting to encourage others to believe. Other times, we might resonate with Mary—lost in our grief and requiring space to process pain. John’s Gospel does an excellent job of emphasizing both perspectives, ensuring that readers understand that Jesus is present with us, regardless of how we respond.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:20
When we reflect on John 11:20, several key elements stand out. The first element is the action of hearing. Martha hears about Jesus’ arrival, which indicates she is attuned to the possibility of hope. This is important because, in moments of despair, we must remain open to receiving good news. Hearing about Jesus, for Martha, generates a sense of urgency and a desire to see Him immediately.
The next significant part is Martha’s decision to go out and meet Jesus. This decision embodies courage and faith. It exemplifies the act of pursuing Jesus actively—an act of love and longing. We can relate to Martha’s initiative; there are times in our lives when we need to take a step forward despite our fears and worries. This is the beauty of faith in action. It drives us to engage with God in moments that matter most.
Lastly, we look at the contrasting response of Mary. While Martha ventures out, Mary chooses to stay behind. This dichotomy is vital for understanding the diverse spectrum of emotional responses in times of grief. It reflects the reality that everyone heals and processes loss differently. Mary’s presence in the house signifies that she may need a moment to recalibrate her feelings; she embodies a different expression of faith. In the same way, everyone faces trials uniquely, some may cope actively while others need to express their feelings inwardly.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:20
From John 11:20, we glean multiple lessons that can be applied to our lives. One essential lesson revolves around the importance of reaching out for help. Just like Martha chose to go and meet Jesus, we should be encouraged to bring our problems and worries to God. God is always open to hearing us, even when we might feel unworthy or distracted by circumstances.
Another profound takeaway is the recognition of different emotional responses. Each of us processes grief differently, and that’s entirely acceptable. We can appreciate the various ways we cope with our pain or sorrow. It encourages a deeper understanding, acceptance, and compassion for ourselves and others in our community. Instead of judging one another’s grief, we should lean into our existing relationships, offering understanding and support to one another.
Finally, Martha’s trust in Jesus encourages us to lay down our burdens before Him. She sought Jesus with an open heart, and that willingness was rewarded. Likewise, God invites us to surrender our troubles to Him, fostering a deeper connection with Him. Comparing this story to other passages, such as 1 Peter 5:7, which tells us to cast our care on Him, we see that inviting God into our hardships is a powerful act of faith.
Final Thoughts
In summary, John 11:20 is a remarkable testimony to the different responses toward Jesus during times of grief. It encourages us to actively pursue our faith in challenging times and to embrace the various ways that we express our emotions. Remembering Martha and Mary’s story helps us to see that God understands our hearts—whether we approach Him with urgency or whether we are in need of solitude. In both instances, Jesus meets us where we are, providing comfort and care. As we navigate our own paths, let us remember the lessons of faith, compassion, and trust. There are endless topics to explore in our walk with God, and we can choose to dive deep into His Word, such as exploring John 7:12 or even John 7:1. Be encouraged to seek His presence, as He is always with us, especially in our moments of despair.