Jesus Wept

³³ Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. ³⁴ And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” ³⁵ Jesus wept. ³⁶ Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” ³⁷ And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” - John 11:33-37

     We have an intimate glimpse of the dual nature of Christ, and a touching moment as He handles the loss of a friend. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus became fully man while on Earth. I often neglect this idea in my mind and subconsciously think, "Well, it was different for Jesus, He is God." He is God, but he took on the same trials and emotions that we face every day. We see Him torn inside and weeping. Weeping because Lazarus is dead? I don't believe He is weeping for Lazarus, I believe he is weeping for Mary and for Martha and for the others who are grieving. To see those whom He loves in despair is too much. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Our Savior understands our pain and our temptations and our emotions. He faced them when He walked among us. He is not crying for Lazarus, He already knows that Lazarus will live again. He is crying because those around Him are brokenhearted.

    Even more important is how those around Jesus respond. What is my response to the circumstances I face in my own life? As I read the story of Lazarus, I am struck by the differing responses to what happens. We see the two choices available: Be touched by the Lord's grief and realize His love for Lazarus, or find fault with His lack of action and point an accusing finger. How often do I do this? I cannot understand God's ways. Isaiah 55:8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. I must trust Him and see the love and the mercy that He provides every day. It is not my job to question God's designs or to accuse Him of inaction or negligence. When God provides an intimate moment of beauty in my life I must revel in it rather than revile it. Let me not say, "Look what You could have done!" But rather, "Look how much You love me!"