The Savior was susceptible of, and that he actually formed, to some
extent, PERSONAL FRIENDSHIPS AND INTIMACIES. It would be unreasonable to
doubt, that he had a sincere affection, analogous probably in its
nature to the filial and fraternal affections in other cases, to his
mother, his reputed father, and his brethren and sisters after the
flesh. Certainly we have an evidence of this declaration in part, not
only in the fact of his dwelling so long with them as he did; but in the
circumstance that, when he was suspended in the agonies of the Cross,
he commended his mother to the care of the disciple John. It would
hardly be consistent with the doctrine of his humanity, and would
certainly be at variance with the many developments of his life as the
"son of man," to suppose that he did not form a strong, personal
attachment to the little company of his disciples. It is said expressly
in especial reference to his disciples, "having loved his own, which
were in the world, he loved them to the end." It is also explicitly
narrated, that he loved Mary, and Martha, and Lazarus, the favored
family of Bethany, whom he often visited. The disciple John, in
particular, is characterized as the disciple whom Jesus loved. As he was
set before us as an example, that we should follow him, this
interesting trait, which resulted in the formation of friendly and
affectionate intimacies, is what we should naturally expect to find in
him. And furthermore, as one who came to suffer as well as to act, as a
"man of sorrows and acquainted with grief," had he not some need even of
human sympathy? And if this suggestion be well founded, where would he
be disposed to look for the consolations, which even the sympathy of men
is capable of affording, except in the bosoms of those, whom he loved
peculiarly and confidentially?
