September 12

The Home of Bethany

At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. — John 11:1 BSB

The home in Bethany was richly blessed. It seems that this family was wealthy and lived in deep affection, with close ties between its members. We know this because Jesus found it to be a welcoming home, a place of rest for His heart. He wouldn’t have chosen a home filled with strife to be His refuge. It was a loving household, and the sorrow the sisters felt when their brother died shows how strong the bond between them was.

In too many homes, brothers and sisters aren’t as close as they should be. There’s often a lack of tenderness or affection. But in Bethany, we see an example of a home where love ruled. Brothers and sisters should not only love one another but also show that love in their daily interactions.

This home was especially blessed because it was the one Jesus chose as His resting place after His days of conflict and tension with His enemies. It was His love for this family and His presence in their home that made the little town of Bethany famous.

But even in this favored home, sickness came. No home is immune to illness. Wealth can’t keep it away, and neither can love. Yet, we can also learn that sickness in our home isn’t a sign that Christ doesn’t love us. Even the homes dearest to Him experience pain and sorrow, but through these trials, blessings come to the family, and God is glorified. These thoughts should bring comfort when sickness enters our households.