Relational Ministry

Jesus loves people: that is His nature. This little family in Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem, became well known to the Apostle John as Jesus and His disciples would visit them from time to time (Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-3). Two sisters and their brother lived together, apparently without elderly parents or spouses. They were a self-contained unit who looked after one another. 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 they were interested in more than money. 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 to achieve 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. Mary was not embarrassed to share her heart: nor should we hesitate to tell Him that we need His help. Instead of pretending that we can manage by ourselves, tell Him about those He loves, including yourself!