1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

We meet on Sundays recognizing and celebrating, as Christian all over the world, of the most dramatic event in all of history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Prior to that time, however, Jesus by word and deed, gave to all people a hope that our stones and graves will be opened and we too have the promise of life after death.

The only way to face the future in this fallen world is with a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. The most traumatic experiences every person faces is death of loved ones and someday everyone reading this will be faced with their own mortality. Jesus is our only hope, but in Him is all the real hope we would ever need or imagine.

Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, shared a close and meaningful friendship with Jesus, making them a unique part of His circle. Why does Jesus pick such commoners for His friends and apostles? It is not because of their wisdom, merit, good looks, money, spiritual maturity, or intelligence.  Friends, the more I read about the special people of God, the more I'm convinced it is just to show the glory of God by taking a bunch of commoners and sinners and make them His special friends and through them demonstrate His power.

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus provided a place to stay for Jesus and His friends.  Martha was known as the server and Mary the contemplative one.  They were followers of Jesus. They were hospitable to the disciples. They helped Jesus’ ministry not only in worship, but also with their material gifts, but most importantly their personal friendship.  Jesus loved them.  Because of Jesus, they were special people.

Charles Wesley wrote in one of his Hymns, "Faithful to my Lord's commands. I still would choose the better part.  Serve with careful Martha's hands and loving with Mary's heart. "

Friends are important. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ this morning, you are one of God's favorites. You have been called to be part of His family.  I am blessed with many special people, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, that make our family larger.  Jesus gives us that bond.  We can bear one another’s burdens. We can share with their joys and sorrows.  We are special friends because of Jesus’ love.

Mary and Martha knew of Jesus healing powers and so when their brother was quite sick, they sent a messenger to find Him right away and let Him know to come at once. (That is how I pray.  I want to tell God how to do what He should do and when.) They cried out to Jesus, for they knew He had power to heal.

The fact that Jesus loves us and we love and serve Him, is no guarantee that we will be sheltered from the problems and pains of this life.  Indeed, even the Father above, who loved His own Son, Jesus, permitted Him to suffer the death on a cross.  Do notconfuse troubles, problems, pain and disease, with the thought that Jesus does not know, or care. He does.

I rejoice in the thought that you and I are among God's favorite people.  We can claim that along with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We are special people, because we are friends of Jesus.

Application:  Ponder the thought that the Lord loves and delights in you.   

Prayer:  Jesus, you call me friend and brother.   We are joint heirs with You in the Kingdom of the Father.  Thank you.  

Dale