"Jesus Wept"

"Jesus wept." (John 11:35 ESV)

The shortest verse in the Bible. John 11:35, although the shortest verse in the Bible, is rich and profound in meaning. Every time I meditate on this verse, it continues to teach me about Christ. I could probably write a book based on the implications of these two words.

If you are not familiar with this verse, in the preceding verses, Jesus was notified that a loved one, Lazarus, was very sick. Still, instead of immediately going to Lazarus and healing him, he waited. Jesus waited several days. (vv11:1-4) In those days, Lazarus died. One unfamiliar with the Word might ask, 'Why did he do that when he could have healed him?’ I know the first time I read this chapter of John, I asked that very question.

In these two words, the providence of God is revealed. “God’s Providence” refers to His ongoing guidance and involvement in creation. Jesus could have healed Lazarus, but chose not to because that was not His will. Jesus would use Lazarus' death for His purpose. This is something we should remember. God’s will always come to fruition.

After Lazarus died, Jesus spoke to the apostles and told them it was time to go to Bethany, where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha lived. During this conversation, Jesus told them why they were going to Lazarus. After implying his death, “Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died.” Here we see the omniscience of God, His all-knowing power. No one had to tell Jesus that Lazarus had died; He knew. God knows all things.

Martha was angry with Christ. She had faith and believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus. During her conversation with Christ, she openly admitted her faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (vv 17-27). Then Mary came out to Jesus, and they spoke of her loss (vv 28-34). After His conversation with Mary, seeing her despair and sadness in the loss of her brother, overcome with emotion, “Jesus wept.” (v35)

The implications of these two words are priceless. Jesus was overcome with emotion. He saw Mary and Martha's sadness and weeping at the loss of Lazarus. He felt it. In this, Christ knows how you feel when you lose a loved one. He sees our despair, He understands our emotions, how wonderful our Savior knows our grief.

This also shows us the depth of Christ’s humanity. Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead before he reached Bethany; this is why He waited for his death. There was no reason to weep knowing that Lazarus would live again, yet Jesus wept when faced with the grief of humanity. This is a part of the necessity of the incarnation. Christ had to be human to pay for human sin. He walked in the very place He created.

More importantly, as our Mediator with God, He sees through the view of His humanity when representing us to the Father. We are His children, and He has a human understanding of what that means. Jesus, in His human form, interacted with us in creation, raising children from the dead, cleansing them of demons, and he told us, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” This shows that His divinity does not overshadow His humanity, but rather, His humanity enhances His divine mission.

Are you ready to shed your adult human nature and come to Jesus as a child? If you do not know Christ Jesus as your Savior, know that He is ready to receive you. Call out to Him and tell Him you are ready. He already knows your heart. Tell Him you are prepared to accept His love and grace.

Grace and Peace.