Sunday Sermonettes: Jesus Wept

Sunday Sermonettes #080

“Jesus wept.” It was beside the tomb of Lazarus–whom he loved. He saw the grief of the man’s sisters–Martha and Mary. And he wept.

That is the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35). And what does it mean for you today?

He Knows What It’s Like

The fact that Jesus wept shows us that he was fully human, God in human flesh. He had emotions like we do. He grew up in a poor home, had brothers and sisters, and shouldered the responsibility of running a home as the eldest in the family.

He knew what is to toil and sweat as he was a carpenter by trade. So he understands what your life is like.

Touched by Our Sorrows

Jesus was touched by our sorrows. He knew rejection firsthand. He also knew what it meant to be misunderstood. At the same time he was moved with compassion when he saw the suffering of people.

He wept showing us that there is nothing to be ashamed about crying when you are in anguish. It is not weakness.

When God Feels Far Away

Sometimes when we feel that God is far away, sometimes when we feel that our prayers are not getting through, sometimes when we despair because we do not see a way forward, and when the pressure feels too much, just remember: Jesus is there for you, and He understands.

He is a faithful friend who will stand with you in your troubles, even when you feel like there is no one to help.

More Questions Than Answers

Honestly, there are more questions than answers. Suffering is real. Problems are real. Worries, anxiety, and despair are also real.

And when no one understands what you are passing through; there is he who can know the very depths of your soul and hear that groan and cry of bitterness in your heart.

He wept. He offers you no easy answers. He knows that your life is in troubled times. He will not forsake you.

So whether your faith feels strong today or you are struggling to hold on, know this — you are remembered, and you are not alone in your suffering.

The God Who Weeps With Us–Truly Human

When you read “Jesus wept,” there is something about it that is truly human. Something you can connect with at once.

His presence gives you the grace to carry the pressure so you don’t break under it. He brings you peace, right in the middle of your troubles.

Isn’t it amazing that Jesus embraced human suffering and wept? He knows and fully understands what you are passing through. Look to him.

What Lies Beyond Tears

The occasion when Jesus wept is memorable for yet another reason. It is just before he wept that he made the triumphant proclamation:

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” — John 11:25, 26.

Jesus, “once more deeply moved (John 11:38),” then called out in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out.” And the man who had been dead four days came out alive.

Here was Jesus two to three weeks before his crucifixion and bleeding to death proclaiming that for those who believe in him death is not the final word. But he is. For he is the resurrection and the life. “Do you believe this?”

Featured image courtesy: Photo by Nathan Marcam on Pexels