A Crusaders' church was built over the site of the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. The modern Church of Bethany was built around it's remains. An ancient pillar (near left) and wall (far right) indicate that the place where we stand was once under the protection of a roof.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 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. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (John 11:1-5)
Spending a moment at the altar inside the Church of Bethany, we take to heart the example of the special friendship this family had with Jesus. It's a message of true hospitality, written on a sign found here:
Today as in the past, the love of Jesus
seeks a refuge, where He is lovingly
expected and where He can rest.
He finds our hearts are filled with distractions
~ people, work, our own interests ~
He longs for us to empty our hearts and
lovingly receive Him.
