Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth”
This chapter is based on
Luke 10:38-42
;
John 11:1-44
.
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, and 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
received the heavenly instruction He was always ready to impart were
greatly blessed. As the multitudes followed Christ through the open
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fields, He unfolded to them the beauties of the natural world. He
sought to open the eyes of their understanding, that they might see how
the hand of God upholds the world. In order to call out an appreciation
of God’s goodness and benevolence, He called the attention of His
hearers to the gently falling dew, to the soft showers of rain and the
bright sunshine, given alike to good and evil. He desired men to realize
more fully the regard that God bestows on the human instrumentalities
He has created. But 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
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