August 25

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her Sister, and Lazarus. — John 11:4.

THE love of Jesus extended to the whole world, his benevolent arms encircled every child of man. He came expressly that the world through him might be saved. Yet Jesus had his especial attachments. He could not behold that which was holy and lovely, without fixing upon it his affectionate and complacent regards. However much he might love the sinner, yet he could not behold his guilt and iniquity, but with utter hatred and abhorrence. Among those who seem to have engaged Christ's peculiar regards, we may consider among the chiefest, the family at Bethany. This family consisted of three individuals — the devout Mary, the kind and anxious Martha, and the affectionate brother, Lazarus. It is probable that Jesus often visited them, partook of their kind hospitality, and in return blessed them with the bread of everlasting life. It will be remembered that on one occasion the sister Martha seems to have been so anxious to meet the Saviour's wants, as almost to have forgotten how necessary it is, to be pre-eminently solicitous about the care of the soul, the one thing needful, the part which shall never be taken from us. While Jesus gently admonished Martha, on that occasion, he commended the intensity which Mary had displayed, and has left us an important and useful lesson, that we should prefer the soul to the body, and the word of Christ's own mouth, above all the enjoyments of earth and time. Who does not almost envy this beloved family? How interesting, how dignifying, is the distinction handed down to us in the inspired page, that "Jesus loved Martha, and Mary and Lazarus." Be it observed too, that Martha, is placed first, her error indeed could not be very great, in being so deeply solicitous, to be the ministering angel to the wants of her beloved Lord. But Jesus loved all of them,—as a family his smile and blessing was upon them,—of his favour they largely partook, and in his all-gracious compassion, they had a deep and lasting place. O happy family where Jesus pays his heavenly visits! And is not this the privilege of all those where an altar is erected to his glory, and where his name is feared, loved, and praised? A Christless family is like a house on the verge of the burning volcanoe, and is liable to be overwhelmed with the fiery lava of the Divine displeasure.