Why Did Jesus Weep

WHY DID JESUS WEEP?

By Carolyn Dale Newell

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

John 11:5 NKJV

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus wept”. Theologians say that He wept because He was grieved by the consequences of sin – death, but this is also a marvelous picture of His humanity. He may have wept because He was grieving the loss of a friend, Lazarus.

Let’s examine our verse. Jesus “loved” Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The Greek word used here for “loved” is “phileō” which refers to brotherly love. It is not “agápe” which refers to God’s divine love. Naturally, Jesus would grieve the loss of His friend, even though He knew He would raise Him from the dead. He would have been grieved by the obvious pain that Martha and Mary endured. It is likely that Jesus experienced grief when his earthly father, Joseph, died, since there is no mention of Joseph during the ministry of Christ.

Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man. Scripture gives accounts of Jesus experiencing hunger, thirst, and weariness, but He also experienced brotherly love for friends and family. He experienced grief when they died. “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” (Heb. 4:15).

Jesus Christ knows what it is like to lose a loved one. He has experienced grief, sorrow and pain. He can sympathize with us, and even better, He can comfort us.

Friend, are you experiencing that kind of grief today? Perhaps you know someone who is burdened with sorrow. Jesus knows our pain. It won’t be easy, but in time, we will be able to see divine comfort and boundless grace as only He can bring to us. Spend time today, resting in the arms of the one who knows how you feel.

Lord Jesus, we are comforted by the realization that You experienced grief during Your time on earth. You can sympathize with us, but You are also the One who comforts us. Thank You for helping us through grievous times. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read John 11:1-44.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Grief is natural. Jesus Christ understands exactly what you are going through. Spend time talking with Him.

You also may like: “A Better Day” https://amountainoffaith.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/a-better-day/    Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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