What does John 11:29 mean?

Prior verses indicated that Mary, sister to Lazarus and Martha, was still in the house, weeping, when Jesus arrived in Bethany. Her immediate response to a summons (John 11:28) is not surprising. Scripture describes her as a devoted student of Jesus (Luke 10:38–42), who seemed to grasp the meaning of His message more clearly than some of the disciples (Mark 14:3–9).

Martha has already discussed her anguish over Lazarus' death (John 11:17–27). It's possible that she left the house without telling anyone—even Mary—that Jesus was in town. That might have been to avoid bringing a crowd along with her. Mary, on the other hand, will make a dramatic exit and invite curiosity from those who have come to mourn (John 11:31). That, in turn, will add a larger audience to the miracle Jesus has come here to perform (John 11:11; 11:43–44).