Jesus Wept

carpecollum@gmail.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:19:51 GMT

Lazarus died. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus', brother of Mary and Martha. After his death, Jesus went to Bethany (just outside of Jerusalem) to see the family. Martha choked out, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again" (11:23), knowing full well He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Martha expressed faith in Lazarus rising on the last day, but Jesus wanted her to understand and believe HE was the resurrection and the life.

Then came Mary. Mary said exactly the same thing as Martha, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died" (11:32). She must have been grieving harder than Martha, because it is at this point "when Jesus therefore saw her weeping....He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled" (11:33). Jesus was deeply stirred emotionally by the grief all around Him. He hurt with these people. His compassion is great.

Then the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept" (11:35). The Creator, the Lord of the universe, the Giver of Life shed tears along with these others who were weeping! And He knew Lazarus would soon be raised from the dead and their mourning would be turned into gladness and rejoicing. Yet He wept because of the deep sadness of the people around Him.

Let us not be afraid to weep with our brother and sister who just lost their dear daughter. Even though we might rejoice in the knowledge of Chelsea's commitment to Christ, in the hope we have that she will be raised again in the last day, let us weep with her parents now. Let us show the compassion of Christ.

God bless,
Nathan

Daily Bible Message

Jesus Wept