John 11:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when she had {G2036} so {G5023} said {G2036}, she went her way {G565}, and {G2532} called {G5455} Mary {G3137} her {G846} sister {G79} secretly {G2977}, saying {G2036}, The Master {G1320} is come {G3918}, and {G2532} calleth for {G5455} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After saying this, she went off and secretly called Miryam, her sister: “The Rabbi is here and is calling for you.”

Berean Standard Bible

After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.”

American Standard Version

And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following her profound confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, Martha, demonstrating immediate obedience and discretion, departed to privately summon her sister Mary. Her message conveyed the urgent and personal presence of "The Master," indicating that Jesus, despite the public mourning and potential danger, desired a direct encounter with Mary, underscoring His intimate care and sovereign authority even amidst deep sorrow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 11:28 is a pivotal moment following a deeply theological conversation between Jesus and Martha. Prior to this, Jesus has arrived in Bethany, four days after Lazarus's death, and has met Martha, who expresses her initial lament ("Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" [John 11:21](/john/11-21 "John 11:21 - Martha's Lament")). Jesus then engages her in a profound discourse on resurrection and life, culminating in Martha's powerful confession of faith in [John 11:27](/john/11-27 "John 11:27 - Martha's Confession of Faith"), declaring Him to be "the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." Immediately after this, Jesus instructs Martha to call Mary. The narrative flow emphasizes Jesus' personal engagement with each sister and sets the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, which will dramatically reveal Jesus' glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem (approximately two miles), which was a hub of activity and also a place of significant danger for Jesus, as the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sought to arrest Him ([John 11:8](/john/11-8 "John 11:8 - Disciples Warn Jesus About Returning to Judea")). The death of Lazarus would have drawn many mourners from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, making it a public event. Jewish mourning customs involved a seven-day period of intense grief, often accompanied by professional mourners. Martha's secret summons to Mary, therefore, is significant. It likely served to protect Jesus from immediate public confrontation with the authorities, to spare Mary from the scrutiny of the crowd during her intensely personal encounter with Jesus, and to maintain a degree of privacy for the unfolding divine drama.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. The **personal call of Christ** is prominent, as Jesus, despite the large crowd and the gravity of the situation, extends a direct and intimate invitation to Mary. This highlights His individual knowledge and care for His followers, a theme echoed in [John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name"), where Jesus states that the Good Shepherd "calls his own sheep by name." The theme of **obedience and discipleship** is also evident in Martha's immediate and faithful action as a messenger. Having just experienced a transformative encounter with Jesus, she promptly and discreetly relays His summons, exemplifying the role of believers in bringing others to Christ. Furthermore, the **authority of Jesus** as "The Master" (διδάσκαλος, _didáskalos_) is reinforced, even in a context of human suffering, underscoring His sovereign control over life and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From G1320, this term literally means "teacher" or "instructor." Martha's use of this title for Jesus, even in her grief, underscores her recognition of His authoritative teaching and wisdom. It signifies more than just a respectful address; it acknowledges His unique position as one who imparts divine truth and possesses ultimate authority, even over life and death.
* **secretly (Greek, _láthra'_):** From G2977, this adverb means "privately" or "privily." The secrecy of Martha's summons to Mary is crucial. It suggests a need for discretion due to the volatile political climate and the danger Jesus faced in Judea from the Jewish authorities. It also indicates a sensitivity to Mary's deep grief, allowing for a more intimate and personal encounter with Jesus away from the public eye and the professional mourners.
* **calleth for (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** From G5455, this verb means "to emit a sound," "to address in words or by name," or "to call." The use of this word emphasizes the direct and personal nature of Jesus' summons to Mary. It is not a general invitation but a specific, intentional call to her by name, highlighting Jesus' intimate knowledge of individuals and His desire for a personal relationship with each one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she had so said":** This phrase marks the completion of Martha's profound confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, as recorded in the preceding verse. It signifies a transition from theological discourse to immediate action.
* **"she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly":** Martha's immediate response to Jesus' implied instruction. Her going "her way" indicates a purposeful movement. The act of calling Mary "secretly" highlights the discretion and sensitivity of the situation, likely motivated by the danger to Jesus from the authorities and a desire to spare Mary from public spectacle in her raw grief.
* **"saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee":** This is the precise message Martha delivers to Mary. "The Master is come" announces Jesus' arrival and presence, confirming His commitment to them despite the delay. "And calleth for thee" is the personal, direct summons from Jesus to Mary, emphasizing His specific desire for her presence and interaction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the public mourning and Martha's public confession with the private, secret summons to Mary. This highlights Jesus' ability to engage both publicly and intimately. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Mary's immediate and urgent response to this private call foreshadows her later act of devotion in anointing Jesus' feet ([John 12:1-8](/john/12-1-8 "John 12:1-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus")), demonstrating her deep love and responsiveness to Him. The phrase "calleth for thee" functions as **Direct Address**, emphasizing the personal nature of Jesus' interaction with individuals, making His divine authority accessible and intimate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 11:28 powerfully illustrates the personal nature of Jesus' ministry and His intimate knowledge of individuals. Even amidst the profound grief and public attention surrounding Lazarus's death, Jesus extends a specific, private summons to Mary. This highlights that God's concern is not merely for humanity in general but for each person individually, knowing their name, their sorrow, and their need. Martha's role as a faithful messenger also underscores the divine principle of believers being used to bring others into contact with Christ, demonstrating obedience and trust in His directives. The urgency implied in the secret call suggests that responding to Jesus' invitation is of paramount importance, regardless of circumstances.

* [John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")
* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door and Knocks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poignant verse offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus, our Master, is intimately aware of our personal circumstances, especially in moments of deep sorrow, confusion, or need. His call to Mary was not a general invitation but a specific, personal summons, mirroring His desire for a direct and intimate relationship with each one of us. We are challenged to cultivate a heart that is attuned to His voice, ready to respond with the same urgency and faith that Mary displayed. Furthermore, the passage illuminates our role as "Marthas" in the lives of others. Just as Martha faithfully relayed Jesus' message to her sister, we are called to be conduits of His grace, compassionately and discreetly bringing others into His presence, especially those who are hurting or lost. Our obedience in delivering His message can open the door for transformative encounters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I sense Jesus calling me, especially in times of deep personal need or sorrow?**
* **In what ways can I be a "Martha" for others, faithfully and discreetly bringing them to Jesus, particularly when they are in distress?**
* **What does Jesus' title "The Master" mean for my daily obedience and trust in His authority and wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why did Martha call Mary "secretly"?**

Answer: Martha's decision to call Mary "secretly" was likely motivated by several factors. Firstly, there was significant danger to Jesus in Judea, as Jewish leaders were actively seeking to arrest and kill Him ([John 11:8](/john/11-8 "John 11:8 - Disciples Warn Jesus About Returning to Judea")). A public display or commotion might have drawn unwanted attention to Jesus. Secondly, it showed sensitivity to Mary's profound grief. Mary was likely surrounded by many mourners, and a private summons would allow her a more intimate and personal encounter with Jesus, away from the public eye and the professional mourners. This discretion allowed for a focused and deeply personal moment between Mary and the Master.

**What is the significance of Martha referring to Jesus as "The Master" (Didaskalos)?**

Answer: The term "The Master" is translated from the Greek word _Didaskalos_ (G1320), which literally means "Teacher." Martha's use of this title, even in a moment of intense grief and anticipation, is highly significant. It acknowledges Jesus' authority, wisdom, and His role as an authoritative instructor. Despite her sorrow over Lazarus's death, Martha's faith remained rooted in Jesus' identity as the one who possessed ultimate truth and power. It signifies her continued respect and submission to His teaching and leadership, even as she wrestled with the circumstances. This title highlights Jesus' divine authority, which transcends human understanding and sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 11:28, with its emphasis on Jesus' personal call to Mary, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's universal and redemptive call to all humanity. Jesus, the ultimate "Master" and Teacher, does not merely offer comfort in sorrow but extends a saving invitation to new life. His specific summons to Mary, a beloved disciple, foreshadows His broader call to all who are "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians/2-1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")) to come forth into spiritual life. Just as He would soon call Lazarus by name to come out of the tomb, so He calls all who hear His voice to resurrection life. This is the essence of the Gospel: the Good Shepherd knows His sheep and calls them by name ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). He is the one who stands at the door and knocks, inviting anyone who hears His voice to open the door and experience fellowship with Him ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door and Knocks")). Mary's immediate response to "The Master's" call serves as a beautiful illustration of the faith required to embrace the one who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering eternal hope and salvation to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 13:13

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.

John 11:20

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house.

Mark 10:49

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

John 20:16

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.