November 8

“Jesus wept.” (Jn 11:35) Isn’t this sentence like the shortest in the Bible?

There’s a lot we can learn from Jesus raising Lazarus from death. God’s plan and timing are intentional and perfect. Jesus said that through Lazarus’ death His glory would be revealed and we would believe. This answers the question ‘Why He didn’t prevent it?’ He intentionally waited two days, so that this can be accomplished. The faith of Mary and Martha was put to the test. Jesus asked them to believe Him. At the end the Phrases continued plotting to kill Jesus- not because He yet again did good, but because He threatened more than ever their political standing.

But then there is the part where Jesus wept - because He loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Why would Jesus weep when He knew quite well that shortly after He would restore life to Lazarus and all would be OK? Why take the time to weep? Jesus knows the ending of our stories now. So why would He weep at any particular moment in our lives? Because He suffers and rejoices with us through all of it. Because He’s not only concerned with the end, but with the process also. He was greatly hurt because He saw and felt the pain of Mary and Martha. Knowing that Jesus loves us the same, He must weep every time we weep. Though I have faith that everything that happens in our lives is used for God’s purpose and glory, it’s further comforting to know that His heart breaks when ours does.

Here is another short verse:

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” (Jn 11:36)