Many times during a pilgrimage I have felt a special connection to a place through a scripture passage or a song. One of these places is Bethany. For me, this place highlights a different quality of Jesus. As painted in the image above, by Johannes Vermeer, we see a close friendship between Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Close Friends
The essence of the bond between Jesus and these sisters is highlighted in John 11:17-37 where each sister encounters Jesus and tells him of the death of Lazarus. This interaction occurs close to the tomb where Lazarus is buried and is now a church dedicated to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
On the pilgrimage we visit the church and remember the events. Martha is angry that Jesus could have saved Lazarus and was not there. Jesus comforts Martha and reminders her that He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus comforts Martha in a calm manner.
Mary delivers the same message as Martha and yet can hardly control herself weeping. The open display of sadness and raw emotion seems to pull something deep from Jesus. In John 11:35 we are told that “Jesus wept.”
We find in John 11:38-44 God’s Glory on display as Jesus raises Lazarus from the grave and is reunited with his sisters.
Why is this special?
Visiting Bethany is such a special place for me because I feel like I can tap into that friendship. This is the place where we find the Friendship of Jesus, in addition to our redeemer and savior, our Friend. We take from this place the Friendship and carry it with us throughout the pilgrimage and beyond to our homes and every day after.
This special friendship, reminds me of the hymn “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”. I sing this hymn to myself often during the pilgrimage and also at home. The key phrase for me is “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” If you are not familiar with the song, the lyrics are below.
What A Friend We Have in Jesus Lyrics
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
Joseph M. Scriven – 1855
Tina Ripperger
As co-owner of Faith Connections Travel, Tina’s passion for religious travel inspires her to find new places to visit and share her experiences. She has coordinated and led both small and large groups over the last 10 years. Her focus is working with service providers so that pilgrims can focus on their Faith Connections.
