People wonder what is meant by having a “relationship” with Jesus. We see his example of that so clearly in the story of Lazarus. His relationship with Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, wasn’t a relationship of acquaintance but of closeness, caring, commitment, and love. We might define that today as “close friends.” Studies indicate that we are very fortunate to have a handful of close friends in our lifetime. That’s because of the nature of commitment to each other that this human interaction requires the unconditional love that is needed and lived out in the relationship. This is what Jesus shows us in his behavior today. He cared so much for Lazarus and his sisters that for only the second time, recorded in scripture, “he wept.” Henri Nouwen speaks to the wonder of friendship: “Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a human being can receive. It is a bond beyond common goals, interests, or histories. Friendship is being with the other in joy and sorrow, even when we cannot increase the joy or decrease the sorrow. It is a unity of souls that gives nobility and sincerity to love. Friendship makes all of life shine brightly. Blessed are those who lay down their lives for their friends.”