John 11:27

John 11:27, in plain English

Martha answers, 'Yes, Lord. I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.'

Why it's here

This is one of the most complete confessions of faith in the Bible. Martha, in the midst of her grief, declares who Jesus truly is.

Who's speaking

Martha makes a profound declaration of faith, affirming Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, and the promised One.

Where it sits in the story

In her darkest moment, Martha doesn't shrink back—she makes the boldest confession imaginable. She doesn't fully understand what's about to happen, but she knows who Jesus is.

The scholarly reading

Martha responds with a comprehensive christological confession: 'You are the Christ (Christos), the Son of God (ho huios tou theou), the one coming into the world (ho eis ton kosmon erchomenos)'—a three-fold affirmation paralleling Peter's confession.

Language and setting

Martha's confession incorporates Messianic (Christos), divine (Son of God), and prophetic (the Coming One) titles. This is the Johannine equivalent of Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:16).

Voice

Martha makes a full, multi-layered christological confession of faith in Jesus.

Significance

Martha rises to the occasion with a confession that encompasses the full scope of Jesus' identity: Messiah, Son of God, and the long-awaited One. Her faith, tested by grief, emerges triumphant.

25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.

26And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

28After 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.”

29And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.

Read all of John 11 — Jesus weeps at a tomb. Then He calls a dead man out of it. The shortest verse in the Bible and the most powerful — separated by minutes.