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Jesus and His Friends at Bethany, July 23
Family Companionship
Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
John 11:5
There was one home that He loved to visit—the home of Lazarus,
and Mary, and Martha; for in the atmosphere of faith and love His spirit
had rest.
Among the most steadfast of Christ’s disciples was Lazarus of
Bethany. From their first meeting his faith in Christ had been strong;
his love for Him was deep, and he was greatly beloved by the Saviour.
It was for Lazarus that the greatest of Christ’s miracles was performed.
The Saviour blessed all who sought His help; He loves all the human
family; but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender associations. His
heart was knit by a strong bond of affection to the family at Bethany, and
for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought.
At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had
no home of His own; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends
and disciples; and often, when weary, thirsting for human fellowship,
He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the
suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Here He found a sincere
welcome, a pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with simplicity
and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and
treasured.
Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listeners. He
longed for human tenderness, courtesy, and affection. Those who re-
ceived the heavenly instruction He was always ready to impart were
greatly blessed.... The multitudes were slow of hearing, and in the home
at Bethany Christ found rest from the weary conflict of public life. Here
He opened to an appreciative audience the volume of Providence. In
these private interviews He unfolded to His hearers that which He did
not attempt to tell to the mixed multitude. He needed not to speak to His
friends in parables.
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