Jesus wept. John 11:35 WEB
The shortest verse in the Bible comes from the story of the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead. Originally, the books of the Bible were not organized into chapters and verses. But as they were, it is apparent that the significance of these two words warranted very special attention.
God feels the pain of those who suffer in the flesh. He empathizes with each of us. Encouragingly, the Lord also offers hope for those who believe in his goodness and mercy. Through faith in the life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Christ, we have confidence that we too receive eternal life by the grace of God.
The Lord proved his willingness to experience our pain in the life of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. As we read of Jesus in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. WEB” Further, John 1:14 teaches, “The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. WEB”
Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus because he felt the pain of the mourners gathered there. Our Lord was just as human as we are, experiencing the depths of human emotion. With perfect love, Jesus demonstrated his willingness to suffer with and for mankind so that we might repent from sin and become the children of God. Jesus wept because he loved Lazarus. He loved Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, and those who suffered because of Lazarus’ death.
Those Who Weep
As believers, the Lord commands us to love one another as Jesus loves us. We read in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. WEB” To love like Christ, we share the joy and grief of our fellow man. As Paul instructs the faithful in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. WEB”
Beyond the grief we experience with death and loss, the raising of Lazarus from the dead gives us a brief insight into the joy we will experience when reunited with our loved ones in the kingdom of heaven.
Predicting his own death and resurrection, Jesus said to his disciples in John 14:19, “Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. WEB” Just as Mary and Martha rejoiced when reunified with their brother Lazarus, we will celebrate together when we meet with our Maker in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Christ suffered in the flesh as he died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. Jesus wept for his friends, further demonstrating God’s willingness to bear and share our burdens. Those who truly care, as Christ cares, are a blessing to others. Those who mourn are blessed by God himself. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:4, ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. WEB”
Though we weep and mourn, as Jesus wept, the faithful receive a promise from God. In the end, death and suffering themselves will die. As we read in Revelation 21:14, ‘He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away. WEB” Take comfort in our Savior. We do not suffer alone and the faithful do not suffer at all in eternity.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom of your holy word. Thank you for the comfort you bring to my soul. Give me strength to endure the difficulties of this life. Help me to comfort others even as I am comforted by you. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Breaking of Bread
