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By Mike Caton

John 11:5, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”

Think about that verse some today. John tells us that Jesus loved these people, this family. As we read through the gospels, we see that it seems Jesus had a special relationship, a special bond with this family. He often visited in their home and ate with them. It seems he stayed here some when he was in Jerusalem. Sometimes I wonder what makes a friendship happen; it is more than simply having things in common, more than just a shared goal or dream, more than just convenience, more than being in the same place. There is some unknown thing that happens that seems to bond certain people together.

We know that Jesus didn’t just love these three people. Jesus loves everyone, in all of time and in every place. The Greek word for love is not surprising, it is agape. That is an all consuming, I’ll love you regardless kind of love. It is a love that wants the best for the other person, even if there is a personal cost to you. It means there is nothing you can do to undo the love God has for you. That kind of love is rare in our world today; we too often allow lust, or greed, or selfishness to become what we think is love. I’ll love you as long as you make me happy, give me what I want, are pretty, thin, strong, rich, or whatever.

But that is not the love Jesus had for these folks. And it is not the love God has for us. Someone has said, There is nothing you can do that will make God love you more than he does right now. Think about that for a moment, for an hour, for the day, for the rest of your life. God’s love for you right now is measureless.

Father, thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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