And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calls for you.
and called.
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.
John 1:41,45 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ…
John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
The Master.
John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
come.
John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Song of Solomon 2:8-14 The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills…
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.
she went back and called her sister Mary aside
Martha's action of calling Mary aside indicates a private and intimate communication. In the cultural context, women often shared close bonds, and Martha's desire to involve Mary highlights the importance of Jesus' presence. This also reflects the close-knit family structure prevalent in Jewish society.
to tell her, “The Teacher is here
Referring to Jesus as "The Teacher" underscores His role as a rabbi and spiritual leader. In Jewish tradition, rabbis were highly respected and their teachings were authoritative. This title emphasizes Jesus' authority and the respect He commanded among His followers.
and is asking for you.”
Jesus' personal request for Mary shows His compassion and personal care for individuals. It reflects His understanding of human emotions and His desire to comfort those who mourn. This personal attention is consistent with His character throughout the Gospels, where He often seeks out individuals in need.
Martha has just confessed, “Yes, Lord … You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (John 11:27).
• Her statement shows genuine faith in Christ’s deity and power, echoing Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:16).
• Scripture records this moment to highlight how personal faith precedes deeper revelation (Hebrews 11:6).
• The narrative is literal: a real woman, in real grief, affirming real truth about a real Savior.
• Martha immediately acts on her faith by returning to her home in Bethany (John 11:1). Obedience follows confession (James 2:17).
• She draws Mary aside privately, echoing earlier moments when Mary sought Jesus’ teaching at His feet (Luke 10:39).
• Privacy matters; Jesus often engaged individuals one-on-one (Mark 7:33), underscoring His concern for personal needs.
• Martha becomes a messenger, sharing what she has learned. Faith naturally speaks (2 Corinthians 4:13).
• Her words offer comfort in grief, modeling “encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
• This shows the family dynamic of faith—believers spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24).
• Calling Jesus “Teacher” (Didaskalos) highlights His authoritative role (John 3:2; Matthew 23:8).
• “Is here” stresses His physical presence—God in flesh standing among mourners (John 1:14).
• Presence precedes miracle: before raising Lazarus, Jesus offers Himself. He is always the greatest gift (Psalm 73:25-26).
• Jesus initiates: “the good shepherd … calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3).
• He seeks Mary personally, proving individual worth to Him (Isaiah 43:1).
• The invitation foreshadows future calls—after the Resurrection He will call Mary Magdalene by name (John 20:16) and later summon all believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
• Application: when Christ calls, immediate response brings blessing (Hebrews 3:15).
John 11:28 portrays a literal, historical moment where Martha’s faith leads her to summon Mary to Jesus. The verse teaches:
• Confession of Christ propels obedient action.
• Believers share good news, especially in times of sorrow.
• Jesus is present and personally attentive, calling each by name.
The Teacher still “is here and is asking for you,” inviting every believer into deeper fellowship and trust.
(28) And called Mary her sister secretly.--It was done secretly to avoid attracting the notice of the Jews who were with her (John 11:19; John 11:31). This, we have seen (John 11:20), accounts for the fact that our Lord did not Himself go to the house. That the care was not unnecessary is seen from John 11:46.The Master is come (better, is here), and calleth for thee.--The word here rendered "Master" is not the Hebrew Rabbi (comp. Note on John 1:38), but the Greek word answering to our "Teacher." (Comp. John 13:13-14.) He is not named, but Mary at once knows who is intended. (Comp. Mark 14:14.) Perhaps the name was that by which they usually spoke of Him who had been their Teacher. We are not told that our Lord sent for Mary, but we must assume that Martha conveyed the message which she herself had heard. . . .
Verse 28. - When she had said this, she departed, and called Mary her sister secretly. Observe the important emendation of text from ταῦτα to τοῦτο. When she had made this great utterance, her heart is big with hope. The grim shadow of death is now transparent to a heavenly light. She must share her hope with her sister. Jesus gave the commission to fetch Mary, as is obvious from the words of Martha which follow. The term "secretly" (λάθρα), when elsewhere used, precedes the verb with which it is associated, and therefore here it is joined with εἰποῦσα, whispering to her, lest the hostile Jews should hear and intercept the interview. The Master (the Teacher) used absolutely (cf. John 13:13) - is here, and calleth for thee. Sacred summons! Martha expected (as Euthymius suggested) that some blessing might come from his words.