John 11:28 is about Mary, the sister of Lazarus, confessing her faith in Jesus as the Messiah before she leads him to the tomb of her brother Lazarus who has died.
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
Setting the Scene for John 11:28
In John chapter 11, we find ourselves in the town of Bethany, a small village located about two miles east of Jerusalem. The scene unfolds at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, close friends of Jesus. The atmosphere is heavy with grief as Lazarus, a beloved brother, has recently passed away. The sisters are mourning the loss of their sibling, and the community has gathered to console them in their time of sorrow.
Among the crowd are various friends and family members, including some of the disciples who have accompanied Jesus to Bethany. The air is thick with emotion as Mary and Martha express their deep sorrow over the death of Lazarus. Jesus, who has arrived in Bethany after being informed of Lazarus’ illness, is also present, moved by the grief of those around Him. The scene is one of mourning and lamentation, with tears flowing freely as the reality of death weighs heavily on everyone present.
As the group gathers in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jesus is approached by Martha, who expresses her faith in Him despite her brother’s passing. It is in this poignant moment that Martha makes a profound declaration of belief in Jesus as the Messiah, setting the stage for the miraculous events that are about to unfold in the resurrection of Lazarus. The scene is a powerful testament to the human experience of loss and grief, as well as the hope and faith that can arise even in the midst of despair.
What is John 11:28 about?
Mary’s deep and complex emotions are seen as she runs to Jesus in this verse. Her actions symbolize not only her faith in Jesus but also her raw grief over the death of her brother, Lazarus. Running towards Jesus indicates Mary’s urgency and desperation to seek comfort and solace from Him in her time of need. It also reflects her profound belief in Jesus’ ability to bring healing and hope into her world that is currently filled with sorrow and loss. We can ask ourselves: How often do we run to Jesus with our joys and sorrows, seeking His presence and guidance as we reflect on this scene? Do we approach Him with the same level of faith and vulnerability that Mary displayed in this moment? This verse invites us to consider the depth of our own faith and the authenticity of our emotions when we come before the Lord. It reminds us that Jesus is always ready to receive us with love and compassion, no matter what we are going through. Let us approach Jesus with unwavering faith and a heart open to His healing touch, taking inspiration from Mary’s example.
Understanding what John 11:28 really means
In the narrative of the raising of Lazarus in John 11, we encounter a poignant moment captured in verse 28. Following a conversation with Martha, where she affirms her faith in Jesus as the Messiah, Martha discreetly seeks out her sister Mary to inform her that Jesus is requesting her presence. This simple act of Martha going to Mary privately underscores the significance of personal, one-on-one communication in matters of faith and solace.
The phrase “She went back and called her sister Mary aside” paints a picture of intimacy and confidentiality in Martha’s approach to Mary. It highlights the value of direct, personal interaction in conveying important messages, especially in matters of spiritual significance. This moment between the sisters serves as a reminder of the importance of individualized communication in sharing the message of hope and faith.
When Martha informs Mary that “The Teacher is here,” she acknowledges Jesus not only as a teacher but also as a source of spiritual guidance and wisdom. This designation emphasizes Jesus’ role in imparting knowledge and leading His followers on the path of righteousness. It signifies a recognition of Jesus’ authority and wisdom in matters of faith and life.
Furthermore, the statement “And is asking for you” underscores the personal nature of Jesus’ ministry. By specifically requesting Mary’s presence, Jesus demonstrates His care and concern for each individual. This act of seeking out Mary personally reflects Jesus’ intimate knowledge of and love for His followers, highlighting His desire for a close, personal relationship with each person.
In today’s world, where many feel unseen or insignificant, the message conveyed in John 11:28 resonates deeply. It serves as a comforting reminder that Jesus seeks a personal connection with each of us, offering solace and companionship in our times of need. This verse prompts us to listen attentively for Jesus’ call in our lives and to respond with faith and trust, knowing that He calls us each by name, just as He did with Mary.
Consider a scenario where a busy mother, overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, receives a call from a friend offering support and understanding. This simple act of reaching out provides the mother with a sense of being valued and cared for, akin to how Jesus’ call to Mary would have been received. This anecdote illustrates the profound impact of personal attention and care, mirroring Jesus’ individualized approach to each of us.
In conclusion, John 11:28 serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ personal care and attention towards His followers. It prompts us to heed His call, knowing that He intimately knows and cares for each of us. As we reflect on this verse, may we be encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, who stands ever-ready to offer guidance, comfort, and unwavering love to all who respond to His call.
Do I truly believe Jesus is the resurrection?
Yes, I truly believe that Jesus is the resurrection. This belief is based on the understanding that Jesus has the power to bring the dead back to life, as demonstrated in the verses of John 11. Jesus has authority over life and death, confirming his identity as the resurrection by witnessing Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This event serves as a powerful sign of Jesus’ divine nature and ability to conquer death.
Furthermore, this belief in Jesus as the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus himself is the ultimate demonstration of his power over death and sin, offering hope and new life to all who believe in him. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered death for all who believe in him, offering the promise of eternal life. This belief in Jesus as the resurrection shapes our understanding of salvation and serves as a source of comfort and hope for believers.
Application
Think about John 11:28 and ask yourself—how strong is your faith when the going gets tough at work or home? Mary’s simple call to Jesus shows us the power of asking for help when we’re lost. Believe in God’s plan like you trust your family’s love or your team’s support, even when things don’t make sense. So, will you choose to build unshakable faith today?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.