In His Name Devotionals
JESUS WEPT
In His Name Devotionals
JESUS WEPT
The shortest verse in the Bible. What child, when told to memorize a verse in the Bible, has not used this one?—two little words that exemplify Christ’s humanity.
When Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, they simply said, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” I’m sure Jesus knew who they meant without a mention of Lazarus’ name. There is no doubt how Jesus felt about these friends, yet He delayed two days before He left to see about His friend. He could have spoken the words and ended Lazarus’ ordeal and Mary and Martha’s anguish, yet, He delayed knowing that a greater glory was going to come from this hurtful situation.
How human Christ seems to us when we look at the love between these friends. Jesus had often visited in their home. Mary had poured perfume on Jesus feet on a previous visit because of her love for Him. How Christ’s heart must have hurt, knowing He could save Lazarus yet did not. He knew that Mary and Martha were crushed with the loss of their brother and Jesus knew He was going to did! He had to let these two good friends descend into that place where grief alone reigns.
Christ knew in His heart He could raise Lazarus from the dead, but still His heart ached for the sorrow His friends were experiencing. He shared their grief. He wept for them. He weeps for us, too. He weeps for our transgressions. He weeps for our struggles and yes, He weeps for our sorrows. Jesus came to earth so He could give us power over death. Through His life and His sacrifice He gave us triumph over the grave. We, too, will rise again and live with Him.
