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Chapter 58—The Raising of Lazarus
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, and he was greatly loved by the Saviour. For Lazarus the
greatest of Christ’s miracles was performed. The Saviour loves all
the human family, but to some He is bound by peculiarly tender
associations.
At the home of Lazarus, Jesus often found rest. The Saviour had
no home of His own. When weary, thirsting for human fellowship,
He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household. Here He
found a sincere welcome and pure, holy friendship.
As the multitudes followed Christ through the open fields, He
unfolded to them the beauties of the natural world. But the multi-
tudes were slow of hearing, and in the home at Bethany Christ found
rest from the weary conflict of public life. Here He needed not to
speak in parables.
As Christ gave His wonderful lessons, Mary sat at His feet, a
reverent and devoted listener. On one occasion, Christ’s first visit to
Bethany, Martha, preparing the meal, went to Him, saying, “Lord,
dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her
therefore that she help me.” Jesus answered her with mild and patient
words, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many
things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good
part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary was storing her
mind with words from the Saviour’s lips, words more precious to
her than earth’s most costly jewels.
Martha needed less anxiety for the things which pass away, and
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more for those things which endure forever. The cause of Christ
needs Marthas, with their zeal in active religious work; but let them
first sit with Mary at the feet of Jesus. Let diligence and energy be
sanctified by the grace of Christ.
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