This is the message that Mary and Martha brought to Jesus when their
brother Lazarus was sick. They could have come and said “Jesus,
Lazarus loves you. Will you come?” Rather, they appealed to the love
that Jesus had for Lazarus. “He whom thou lovest is sick…”
Jesus has a strong, enduring love for each and every one of us
regardless of who we are or what we have done. Our love may be
imperfect and fall short of what it ought to be, but the love of our
Saviour and Lord is perfect toward us. What comfort and assurance it
brings to approach Jesus in our troubles and sorrows of life knowing
that He loves.
When we need help from God, we should not come to God extolling how
holy and worthy we are of His help and virtue. We will not attain
answers to prayer through coercion or twisting God’s arm. No comfort
or strength is found in this approach. But there is a deep
consolation and solace for a hurting individual in coming to the
Lord like Mary and Martha - basing a request on the merits of His
love.
