Jesus Wept

2021-11-27

One of the shortest verses in the Bible is John 11:35:

Jesus wept.

This is very significant because it shows a side of Jesus our Lord we do not think much about. Why did Jesus weep?

This event happened at the funeral of Lazarus. Jesus heard of His friend’s sickness, but intentionally did not come to heal him immediately. When He came to Lazarus’ hometown, he was dead. The Lord did this so everyone would see the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

Jesus knew there would be a happy ending. He had complete control over the situation. Yet still we read: “Jesus wept.”

Why did He weep? Right before this, we read, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled” (John 11:33). This was Mary the sister of Lazarus weeping. He was close with this family (John 11:5). He saw their pain. The pain of others impacts Jesus.

It should comfort us that Jesus sees our pain and is moved with compassion. We might not get the same results as Lazarus’ family did this side of heaven. However, if we are born again, there will be a happy ending for us as well. Or perhaps a completely new beginning would be the better way to say it.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11:25-27)