Scripture Text: John 11:33-35
And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.
John 11:34-35
The Greek verb translated “wept” is found only here in the Bible. Its root means “tears.” His were not the tears of a sentimentalist, but those of a pure, righteous, sympathizing High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). The word twice translated “weeping” in verse 33 is not the same word, meaning “to lament loudly, to wail.” Unlike these others, Jesus did not wail but wept quietly with tears flowing.
It is often supposed that Jesus wept only because He had lost a friend to death and because of the deep mourning of Mary and Martha. However, even before Lazarus had died, He knew that He would resurrect Lazarus to glorify His Father and as a sign of His Messiahship (John 11:4, 15). He was in complete control of the situation.
His weeping does show Him as a compassionate friend, and from this we learn that it is right and natural for us to sympathize with others in their afflictions. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). Sorrow at the death of friends is not improper, yet we should not belabor it but help others who grieve to find peace in the God of all consolation.
We see in this miracle an instance of the tenderness of the character of Jesus, the same Savior who wept over Jerusalem and felt deeply for others even in their sins. To the same tender and compassionate Savior we may now come, knowing that He will not cast us away.
Reflect
1. Are you in distress or confusion?
2. Are you in search of someone who can understand all that you are going through?
3. Why not try Jesus? He can sympathize with all our challenges in life.
Remember
His example shows that heartfelt mourning in the face of death does not indicate lack of faith but honest sorrow at the reality of suffering and death.
Read
Romans 12:15; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 5:7-8; Mark 14:33-35
Pray
Thank you, God, for a Savior who has been here and felt pain, suffered grief, and experienced anger. I trust that in our sorrow, His promise of resurrection will sustain me and those who have lost the one they love. In Jesus' conquering name, I pray. Amen.
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