The God Who Weeps

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 "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it," (Lk. 19:41, NASB)

 "Jesus wept." (Jn. 11:35, NASB)

   Here we have two verses of Scripture, with a grand total of only fourteen words, but so much is contained within them. It is interesting to me that on two separate occasions that Jesus, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and  transcendent over creation as sovereign LORD, would shed tears. 

   In John's account, Jesus is seen deeply moved by the scene. Lazarus has been dead for four days, and Mary and Martha, although respectful, cannot understand why Jesus did not show up earlier. He cries at the tomb, but not because Lazarus is dead. John records "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled..." (11:33, NASB) He was moved at the pain and suffering of His friends. He alone knew that the plan was not to heal Lazarus, but to raise him from death. Although He knew that in just a few moments Mary's and Martha's pain would quickly turn to joy, He still hurt with them. 

    
   In Luke's account, Jesus is approaching Jerusalem, the city of God, who is welcoming Him with rejoicing, but would later crucify Him. As He looked upon the city, the wept. I do not believe that Jesus is shedding tears over the agony, pain, and humiliation that He would soon bear from the very ones who would crucify Him. I believe that He wept over Jerusalem for its stubborn refusal to accept the LORD. The Creator of man was unwelcome by His creation. Sin had corrupted the heart of man, and this broke the heart of Jesus. I realize that this had begun a long time before the incarnation of Jesus, but it shows that God's heart is still broken over sin.

   Two thoughts come to my mind. First, God does not get angry when we sin near as much as He hurts. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. God is holy and will not tolerate sin, but our view of God preparing to send fire from heaven every time we sin is just not Biblical. When we sin, we, like Adam and Eve, disobey the commands of God. There is most certainly consequences for the sin, but the LORD is hurt because we refuse to accept His commands. Second, God hurts when His children hurt. Even though the LORD knows the outcome of the trial, He is still deeply moved when His children suffer. David wrote, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." (Ps. 46:1, NASB) 

   I am so thankful that we serve the God who weeps.

   
   

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