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Relational Ministry

John 11:1-3 
Now a man named Lazarus was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay ill, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is ill.’ (NIVUK)

Jesus loves people; that is His nature for He is God and God is love (1 John 4:10-17).  This little family in Bethany, of two sisters (Mary and Martha) and their brother (Lazarus), lived together, apparently without elderly parents or spouses or children.  They were a self-contained unit who looked after one another about two miles from Jerusalem, and became well known to Jesus and His trainee apostles as they would visit from time to time (Luke 10:38-42).  

Although the episode of Mary pouring out all her precious ointment over Jesus’ feet in John 12:1-8 took place after the death and resurrection of Lazarus, her act of extravagant love obviously deeply touched the disciples’ hearts.  From the way John writes, the story was still widely circulating in the churches, over twenty years later, as an example of devotion to Jesus; it was love in action.

However, illness had come to their door.  Lazarus, probably the breadwinner, was sick with a life-threatening illness.  If Lazarus should die, the sisters would lose their family head, provider and protector; without other relatives they would be destitute, and their outlook would be bleak.  But more than money, the loss of their brother’s love would have been devastating.  They loved their brother very much, and they knew that Jesus did too.  They knew that Jesus would want to know that His friend's life was in danger.  So, they sent a message simply stating that the man with whom He had shared fellowship was very unwell, and that they had a need they could not resolve themselves.
 
Jesus still loves people.  It is true that He is God, the mighty Creator and the supreme Judge, but He is also the friend of sinners (Luke 7:34).  His friendship is not a casual or business relationship, but something much more personal.  Jesus loves us with an intensity we cannot imagine; an intimacy which we might think could never be possible.  He is closer than a brother, more faithful than a friend, more knowing than a father, and more caring than a mother.  He knows what we need before we ask Him and yet He longs that we shall tell Him everything; casting all our burdens upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  Mary and Martha were not ashamed of sharing their concern at the outset, and Mary was not embarrassed to share her grateful heart at the end.  Neither should we hesitate to tell Jesus that we need His help.  Instead of pretending that we can manage by ourselves, tell Him about those He loves, including yourself!

Prayer 
Loving Lord. Thank You that You know me personally and care for me with an intensity I cannot experience in even the deepest human relationship. Forgive me for thinking You are distant or uninterested when I know that You love me dearly and care for me intimately. Please help me to give You the burdens of my heart knowing that You will honour my pain and will bring Your Divine answer. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams