John 11:35 – Jesus wept.

THEME OF THE DAY: OH HOW HE LOVES US. The shortest verse in the entire Bible is today’s scripture, but its length does not determine its depth of meaning and application. Within the simple two words, “Jesus wept” lies a revelation of His love toward humanity which knows no end and ensures boundless comfort in all life’s twists and turns.

Before we move on, we need to understand what it means when we read “Jesus wept.” What it doesn’t mean is our Lord is wailing in an uncontrollable fashion. We know that experience. We have seen people display outward anguish of grief and sorrow, especially over death of a loved one, which has been wailing with loud audible cries of emotional pain. This is not what Jesus is doing. To understand the meaning of His weeping, remember the setting. His friend Lazarus has been dead for four days. He arrives at the scene and finds an extremely sad crowd. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, are in deep mourning over the loss of their brother. The crowd is wailing over this familiar human scene of suffering. As Jesus surveys the crowds, He weeps. The verb “wept” means “tears” and that shed in silence. Our Lord was always in control of His emotions and this scene is no exception. We are watching the Son of God walk among hurting people, observing hurting people and as He does, tears quietly flow from His eyes; tears revealing deep love and sympathy for hurting humans. Like those attending Lazarus’ funeral. Like us as we travel to heaven on the road of many sorrows and tears.

Now, let’s consider two times in our lives when we, like Martha and Mary, may find our “weeping” Savior coming to us with comfort by His Word and presence.

First, in the death of a loved one. Yes, death is conquered for the believer by Christ’s resurrection, but that doesn’t remove the pain of loss when a dear family member is taken by way of the grave. We miss the beloved one. We feel the loss of companionship. We ache over times once enjoyed now no longer available; times like the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas when the joys of togetherness filled the room, but now, the painful reality of someone dear is missing fills the room. And in the midst of the pain, Jesus comes. He comes with tears of identification and words of comfort saying, “Weep not my child, I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Sorrowing friend, there is a reunion someday, someday soon, and death will no longer be a separator from our loved ones who have gone before us.

Another painful time in life when our Lord weeps with us, then comes to us with words of encouragement and strength is when we sin. Is it not the most painful thing in all of life to sin against such a loving Lord? Do not our hearts break over the sin which easily entangles and deceives us? Does not a blanket of sorrow overcome our spirits when we fail the Lord still yet another time? Remember those tears of sadness we shed over our many sins? And what does Jesus do? He weeps with us out of compassion, knowing our battles we fight and lose, and behind His sympathetic tears, we hear the sweet words of love given to the woman caught in adultery, now whispered to us, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” (John 8:10-11),

Two simple words, “Jesus wept”. Meditate long on them. Allow the Spirit of God to show you the heart of the Son of God. Let Him show you a depth of love which will not only encourage and strengthen you, but draw you into closer fellowship with Him. “Jesus wept.” Let those tears of love and sympathy produce within you a stronger resolve to live for Him who so loved you that He would willingly shed tears over you.

PRAYER: “Lord, open my eyes to see the depth of your love for me.”

QUOTE: “Love of Jesus will meet your greatest need and heal your greatest hurt.”