John 11:28 – “After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. ‘The Teacher is here,’ she said, ‘and is asking for you.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse comes immediately after Martha’s bold confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (John 11:27). After acknowledging who Jesus is, she goes back to get her sister, Mary, and tells her privately that Jesus is asking for her.

A few things stand out in this passage:

1. Martha’s Response – After her conversation with Jesus, she doesn’t keep it to herself. She goes to Mary, recognizing that her sister also needs to hear from Jesus.
2. Jesus’ Initiative – Jesus specifically asks for Mary. He knows her grief and wants to meet with her personally.
3. The Title “Teacher” – Martha calls Jesus “the Teacher,” showing her respect for Him and His role in their lives.

This moment sets the stage for Mary’s encounter with Jesus, where she falls at His feet in sorrow (John 11:32). It also reveals Jesus’ deep concern for His friends—He does not leave them to grieve alone.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture, mourning was a community event. Friends, family, and even hired mourners would come to grieve together. When Lazarus died, many people came to console Martha and Mary (John 11:19).

It was also common for men to lead in spiritual matters, yet Jesus had a unique relationship with women. He taught women (which was unusual for a rabbi), and both Mary and Martha were His disciples in the sense that they listened and learned from Him. Calling Jesus “the Teacher” reflects His role as someone who instructed them in God’s truth.

Martha’s action—going to get Mary—also shows something important about grief: People grieve differently. While Martha immediately went to meet Jesus when she heard He was coming (John 11:20), Mary stayed behind. She may have been too overwhelmed with sorrow. Jesus knew this, which is why He specifically asked for her.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights three key truths:

1. Jesus Calls Us Personally – Jesus did not just speak to Martha; He wanted to speak to Mary too. His care is not general—it is personal.
2. Jesus is the Teacher – He is not just a healer or miracle worker; He is the source of divine truth. He teaches us about life, death, and eternity.
3. Faith is Meant to Be Shared – Martha does not keep her conversation with Jesus to herself. She invites Mary to come to Him as well.

This shows that faith is not meant to be private—it is something we share with those we love.

Literary Analysis

John 11 is carefully structured to reveal Jesus’ power over death. Before Jesus raises Lazarus, there is a series of conversations that deepen our understanding of faith and grief.

1. Martha’s Conversation (John 11:21-27) – Focuses on theology (resurrection and life).
2. Mary’s Conversation (John 11:32-33) – Focuses on emotion (weeping and sorrow).
3. Jesus’ Response (John 11:35-43) – Shows both His compassion and His power over death.

John 11:28 serves as a transition between these conversations. It connects Martha’s faith with Mary’s deep grief, showing that Jesus meets people where they are—both in understanding and in sorrow.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Jesus invites the hurting to Himself.)
• John 10:3 – “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (Jesus personally calls His followers.)
• John 11:32-35 – Mary’s encounter with Jesus, showing His compassion for her sorrow.
• Luke 10:38-42 – Another interaction between Jesus, Martha, and Mary, where Mary sits at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

John 11:28 reminds us that Jesus calls each of us personally. He does not just call groups of people—He calls individuals. He sees our pain, our questions, and our struggles, and He invites us to come to Him.

It also teaches us that faith is meant to be shared. When we encounter Jesus, we should want others to meet Him too. Just as Martha told Mary, we should be eager to invite others into a deeper relationship with Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is personal. Jesus does not just deal with crowds—He calls people by name. When He asked for Mary, it showed that He saw her pain and wanted to comfort her.

God’s love is also relational. He does not just give us truth—He gives us Himself. Jesus does not send someone else to comfort Mary. He goes to her personally. This is the same love that He has for every believer.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

John 11:28 shows that Jesus is not just a miracle worker—He is a personal Savior.

1. Jesus Seeks Out the Brokenhearted – He asks for Mary because He knows she is hurting (Psalm 34:18).
2. Jesus is the Teacher – He is the one who reveals God’s truth (John 14:6).
3. Jesus Draws People to Himself – Martha and Mary both come to Him, showing that He is the source of life and hope.

This verse is a reminder that Jesus is always inviting us to come closer to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus specifically asked for Mary?
2. How does this verse show Jesus’ personal care for those who are grieving?
3. Martha invited Mary to come to Jesus. Who in your life needs an invitation to know Him better?
4. Have you ever felt that Jesus was calling you personally? How did you respond?
5. How can you encourage someone who is struggling to turn to Jesus?

Jesus is always near, always calling, and always ready to meet us in our need. Just as He asked for Mary, He asks for us. Will we come to Him?