When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Martha, having just expressed her profound faith, immediately goes to get Mary, but not publicly. She whispers "The Teacher is here and is calling for you," showing Jesus' intimate relationship with their family and her desire to protect the moment from disruptive crowds or potential opposition. This private summoning highlights the personal, relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, even in a moment of immense public power.
When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just declared her faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, Martha rushes to tell her sister Mary privately that the Teacher is here and wants to see her. This is done secretly to avoid the surrounding Jewish mourners, who likely wouldn't understand or would even oppose Jesus' presence. Jesus' request for Mary to be brought to him sets the stage for the incredible miracle about to unfold.
Why did Martha whisper to Mary instead of calling her publicly? Discover the delicate balance between sharing hope and navigating sorrow.
In the midst of profound grief, Martha’s actions reveal a strategic tenderness. She doesn't announce Jesus’ arrival to everyone present, but goes to her sister Mary "secretly."
Reasons for Secrecy:
This wasn't about exclusion, but about creating a sacred space for healing and encounter.
Mary and Martha called Jesus 'The Teacher.' What does this intimate title reveal about their relationship with Him, and how does His 'call' speak to us today?
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The way Martha addresses Jesus – "The Teacher" (or "The Master") – offers a beautiful glimpse into the heart of their relationship. This wasn't just a formal title; it was an affectionate recognition of His role in their lives.
More Than Just a Rabbi:
His call is personal, intimate, and always for our good.
Understand the original words
didaskalos · Greek Noun
An individual who instructs, often used specifically for Jesus as the authoritative Rabbi or teacher of divine truth and the Law of God.
The intimate way Martha calls Mary highlights Jesus' growing popularity and the potential danger he faced from hostile Jews, prompting discretion in spreading news of his presence.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus is actively teaching and performing miracles in the region around Jerusalem, attracting significant attention from both followers and opponents.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus in Bethany
Jesus arrives in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, where he is received by Martha and Mary, whose brother Lazarus is gravely ill.
Early 1st century AD
Lazarus' Death and Burial
Lazarus dies, and the sisters Martha and Mary are left to grieve. Jesus is delayed in his arrival, and Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days by the time Jesus reaches Bethany.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Martha Meets Jesus
Martha rushes to meet Jesus, expressing her faith but also her sorrow. Jesus then instructs Martha to call her sister Mary.
Early 1st century AD
Mary Summoned
Martha secretly calls Mary, telling her that 'The Teacher is here and is calling for you,' prompting Mary to quickly go to Jesus.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Weeps and Raises Lazarus
Jesus, deeply moved by the grief of Mary and the onlookers, weeps and then powerfully calls Lazarus out of the tomb, bringing him back to life.
This passage highlights the reverence and personal connection people felt with Jesus, calling him 'the Teacher' and seeking him out in a time of need, similar to Martha and Mary.
Matthew 11:2-3John the Baptist, imprisoned and in doubt, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the coming one. This shows how even followers, when facing deep struggles, reach out to Jesus and refer to him by significant titles.
John 20:16After Jesus' resurrection, he appears to Mary Magdalene and she calls him 'Rabboni,' meaning 'Teacher.' This demonstrates the enduring relationship and recognition of Jesus' role as teacher by his closest followers.
John 13:13Jesus explicitly tells his disciples, 'You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.' This confirms that 'Teacher' was a common and respected title for Jesus among his followers, reflecting their understanding of his authority and role.
barnesJohn 11:28: "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."
She went her way - Jesus probably directed her to go, though the evangelist has not recorded it, for she said to Mary, The Master calleth for thee. Secretly - Privately. So that the others did not hear her. This was done, perhaps, to avoid confusion, or because it was probable that if they knew Jesus was coming they would have made opposition. Perhaps…
vincentJohn 11:28: "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."
The Master (ὁ διδάσκαλος)Literally, the teacher. Westcott remarks that this title opens a glimpse into the private intercourse of the Lord and the disciples: so they spoke of Him.Is come (πάρεστιν)Literally, is present. Rev., is here.
Martha, having just expressed her profound faith, immediately goes to get Mary, but not publicly. She whispers "The Teacher is here and is calling for you," showing Jesus' intimate relationship with their family and her desire to protect the moment from disruptive crowds or potential opposition. This private summoning highlights the personal, relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, even in a moment of immense public power.
Having just declared her faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, Martha rushes to tell her sister Mary privately that the Teacher is here and wants to see her. This is done secretly to avoid the surrounding Jewish mourners, who likely wouldn't understand or would even oppose Jesus' presence. Jesus' request for Mary to be brought to him sets the stage for the incredible miracle about to unfold.
Having just declared her faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, Martha rushes to tell her sister Mary privately that the Teacher is here and wants to see her. This is done secretly to avoid the surrounding Jewish mourners, who likely wouldn't understand or would even oppose Jesus' presence. Jesus' request for Mary to be brought to him sets the stage for the incredible miracle about to unfold.
"When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him." — Martha, having just expressed her profound faith, immediately goes to get Mary, but not publicly. She whispers "The Teacher is here and is calling for you," showing Jesus' intimate relationship with…
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Last reviewed October 2026