Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Ver. 5. Jesus loved Martha] The saints are all round about his throne, Revelation 4:4, because he is alike near to them for solace and tuition. Howbeit, as man; living among men, he was affected to some more than some, as to these three, and the beloved disciple. These were his Jedediahs, his singularly affected, and this was a high prerogative. Plato commendeth his country of Athens for antiquity of the people, &c., but chiefly for this, that they were beloved of the gods, το πρωτον και μεγιστον εστι οιτ τογχανει ουν θεοφιλης. (Plato.)