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John 11:33-35

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

Today’s passage shows the nature of Jesus: He was fully God and, at the same time, fully man. When approached with the news of Lazarus’ death, Jesus assured Mary and Martha of the resurrection. But now, at the grave, he demonstrates a heart-felt sympathy for the pain that the sisters are experiencing.

Scripture uses different words for Mary’s and Jesus’ weeping. Mary’s is the loud wailing of grief. The word “wept” describing Jesus’ emotion is used only here in Scripture. It describes the shedding of tears. Mary is expressing the deep grief of loss. Jesus expressed compassion for his dear friends.

I don’t know what you are going through today, but Jesus does. He knows and understands. He loves you and can meet your deepest need. The writer of the Hebrews explains it this way:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who  in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  

-Hebrews 4:15-16

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for our sins on the cross. Your perfect sacrifice gives us eternal life. And thank you for understanding what we are going through. Thank you for crying with us. In your name. Amen.

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