Jesus wept.
Why do we cry? In my experience, it is something that we generally don’t have control over. (Yes, I know that some folks are very good actors and can control such things.) Powerful emotions that well up within us evoke unusual responses. Sometimes that response is such that we cannot speak at all. At other times tears well up and overflow our eyes. This is what happened to Jesus.
Weeping reveals deep emotion, and even though Jesus had delayed his trip to Bethany to ensure that Lazarus would die, we find that he is overcome with his empathy for those who are grieving for the loss of their brother and friend.
John, the Gospel writer, wants us to know Jesus. Throughout his Gospel we see Jesus depicted as the Creator and Author of life, Healer, Forgiver, and Feeder Extraordinaire. We see Jesus as Debater in his confrontations with the Pharisees, and most of all, we see Jesus as Teacher and Prophet.
We catch glimpses of Jesus’ compassion when he talks with the Samaritan woman and heals the man born blind. Even so, it is easy to see Jesus as more than human, not really capable of sorrow like you and I.
All of that changes with two little words: Jesus wept.
With those two words, John conveys an encyclopedia of information about Jesus: who he is, what he felt, and how those feelings affected him.
As I trudge into work on this crisp, cold morning: I find myself in automatic mode. Definitely not being drawn to tears, but rather emotionless. And my fellow riders on this commute seem the same. We’re told to reach out to others with the love of Christ, but I realize the need for His love and emotion on a Monday morning.
Time to pray… and have a great day brothers!
Robster,
Great take on today’s topic! I trust your prayer will be answered.
Jesus wept with the motion. Can you imagine in his brief lifetime the burden I’m trying to convince all Humanity that he is God. And the only way to God..
John,
Thanks! Jesus depth of emotion does give us a peek into his view of his work here.
Yes. I am thankful for the true God who grieves with us. Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus. He could have told people to stop mourning because of what He was about to do. Yet He took the time to grieve with those who grieve. I believe He still does. I am greatly comforted by this truth.
Thanks Jeff!
It is so cool to see that Jesus truly did go through all the emotional ups and downs that we also experience in life.
Thanks for the refreshing reminder, Mr. Englund!
Mr. Glasgow,
Thank you for joining in!! I hope we hear more from you!
🙂
Glad you are here BrentG!
I dont call it weeping or crying. Its called sweating from my eyeballs. I did this too many times. Hopefully no more in pain but only in joy.