He Weeps Too

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"Jesus wept." - John 11:35


Hands down, this is the shortest verse in the Bible. Two little words, but they carry a very large message. When Lazarus became sick, Jesus knew the plan was to delay so Lazarus would die. That sounds harsh, but God had a much-bigger plan than healing Lazarus. Jesus was going to raise him from the dead, thus proving to be the Son of God. The disciples nor Mary and Martha had knowledge of this plan. Four days later we find that Lazarus has died and Jesus now wants to go to where Lazarus was. Once Jesus arrives he sees Mary and Martha and all the mourners grieving. I'm quite sure the disciples were weeping as well. Then we see something remarkable. Even though Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the grave, and even though everyone's weeping is about to change to exhilaration, Jesus weeps as well. So, the question is why?

I believe the answer is fairly simple: Jesus wept because his friends wept. the Bible is clear that Jesus understands our hurts and pains because He has experienced them as well. When He saw them hurting, He hurt as well. He was not weeping over Lazarus, for Lazarus would be joining them soon; He wept for them! It is a powerful reminder that Jesus knows our pain. When we face our darkest nights and deepest pains, Jesus weeps with us. Whatever pain you may be enduring, you are not alone. Jesus bears your pain and knows your brokenness. Reach out to Him, cry out to Him and experience the strength and mercy that comes from His presence.

 

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