JESUS WEPT
John 11:35 (NKJV) – “Jesus wept.”
This verse, the shortest in the Bible, packs profound emotional and theological significance. It occurs in the story of Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus who has died. When Jesus arrives at the tomb, He sees Mary, Martha, and the other mourners weeping, and He is moved by their grief.
“Jesus wept” reveals the deep compassion of Jesus. Despite knowing that He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead and that this was not the end, He still felt the weight of human sorrow. This shows that Jesus is not distant or detached from our pain; rather, He is intimately aware of our suffering and shares in it. His tears highlight His empathy and His ability to relate to our human experiences.
In this world, we sometimes allow our differences (racial, cultural, financial, and political) to distance us from others’ pain. I often wondered how whole societies and classes of people could allow atrocities such as slavery and the holocaust to exist, and still to this day, there are many cases of genocide and ethnic cleansing occurring.
This moment also emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. While He is fully divine, He is also fully human, experiencing emotions like love, grief, and compassion. This duality is essential in understanding His role as our Savior. By weeping, He demonstrates that emotion is a valid part of the human experience, and it can be an expression of love and connection.
Sometimes I feel we could be, and should be, more like Jesus in our expression of compassion for one another. Oftentimes, we hold our truest emotions too close to the vest. It’s okay to weep for our hurting brothers and sisters; it’s okay to weep and wail as we express our love for Jesus. I have had church services where the people were as stiff as boards and as mute as mutes. (smile) And trying to get an AMEN was as hard as pulling teeth from a Rhino. lol!
For believers today, this verse offers comfort. It reassures us that when we face loss, grief, or pain, we have a Savior who understands and mourns alongside us. It invites us to bring our sorrow to Him, knowing that He cares deeply for us.
In summary, “Jesus wept” not only serves as a poignant reminder of Christ’s humanity but also encourages us to acknowledge and express our emotions in the presence of God, who loves and empathizes with us through all trials.
Express yourself while you still can.
Psalms 150:6 (NKJV) says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” This verse emphasizes the importance of praising God with all our being. Is it possible that Jesus is weeping for our world right now? Lord, please have mercy on us, for we know not what we do.
Peace and Love,
—Pastor Dwayne
