Jesus wept. John 11:35
The verse today, “Jesus wept” is small and upon a quick reading of the context, one may even miss the statement altogether. But these 2 words hold great meaning for both exposing the heart of Jesus and the way we should live as his followers.
Mary and Martha knew Jesus well. They had invested in both him and his ministry. He was their savior and friend. As their brother lay ill, they sent word to Jesus that he should come quickly because they knew he would be able to heal their brother. Jesus acknowledges their cry for help, but doesn’t rush to their aid. He stays and finishes his tasks.
While Christ finishes his tasks, Lazarus dies and is in the tomb 4 days by the time Jesus arrives. Mary and Martha both question him as to why he was delayed because they know he could have saved their brother’s life.
As Mary and the crowd of fellow mourners approach, Jesus wept. But why? Jesus knew the end of the story. He knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew this story would end with happiness and renewed life. So why the tears?
Jesus wept because he saw the pain of Mary, Martha, and their friends. He was moved by compassion. He saw the anguish on their faces because of the pain that was within their hearts.
What about us?
Do we see the lady at the grocery struggling to make it through the day? Do we in turn offer her a smile, a “Hello”, or a slight touch of compassion as we pass?
When our children are dealing with the hurts inflicted by peers or the failure to make a team, are we moved to feel the ache of their precious hearts within our own? When we’ve hurt our spouse with words spewed in anger, do we offer an apology because we feel the pain we’ve inflicted? Are we so self-absorbed that we don’t notice the hurt beneath the forced smile of a friend?
If we are to truly love like Jesus, then we must pray for an awakening of our emotions. We live in a selfish, independent world and noticing the needs of those around us can easily miss our priority list.
Oh Dear Lord,
Move our hearts to compassion. Give us eyes to see the needs of those we cross paths with today. Give us Godly courage and confidence to reach out to them in both word and deed. Teach us to help bear the pain of another.
In your precious name we pray,
Amen and Amen.
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