Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 11:23

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

But our Lord taught her the truths which she did not know: Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Observe, He does not say, I will ask God, that he may rise again, nor on the other hand does He say, I want no help, I do all things of Myself; a declaration which would have been too much for the woman; but something between the two, He shall rise again.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Cyril of Alexandria

His being seen in the flesh causing her to think that whatsoever He should ask as a saint, He would receive from God; not indeed knowing that, being in His Nature God and the Power of the Father, He possesses irresistible might over all things. For if she had known that He was God, she would not have said: If Thou hadst been here; for God is everywhere. …

Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 7 (Fragments) ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The Lord, refuting such an understanding of hers, says: "Your brother will rise again." He did not say to her "yes, I will ask God, and He will give Me," nor did He agree with her words, but used a moderate expression.

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again." This was ambiguous. For He said not, Even now I will raise thy brother; but, "Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection, at the last day." Of that resurrection I am sure, but uncertain about this. …

Tractates on John 49 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

1512 We see how she advanced when the Evangelist adds, Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. Because she was still imperfect in her understanding, our Lord raised her to higher things by his teaching. First, he foretells the resurrection of her brother; secondly, he shows that he has the power to resurrect (v 25). Concerning the first, he does two things. First, he foretells the coming miracle; secondly, we see Martha's understanding of the resurrection (v 24). …

Commentary on John ↗

Bonaventure

Jesus says to her. Here the third point is touched upon, namely the amplification of the faithful confession. For Martha had confessed that the Lord could obtain her brother's resurrection; but the Lord wishes to lead her to this, that she confess that Christ can raise the dead; on account of which he says with authority: Your brother shall rise again.

Commentary on John, Chapter 11 ↗