Jesus Wept – John 11:35

Praying Over the City in Saint Paul, MN

December 12, 2018

I did it. I got to the gym earlier today. Not at the time I would have liked, but about 40 minutes earlier than yesterday and with NO groaning. I wanted to get there and start my workout. The odd thing is I also woke about a half-hour before my alarm and then rolled over. I think tomorrow, if that happens again, I’m getting up before the alarm to get a jump on all I’d like to do. It’s Christmas, ya know, and I’ve got lots of prep happening!

Yesterday I went to dinner and a movie with a dear friend. Her 21-year-old son died about a year and a half ago. I asked her how she was doing. She said worse. She explained that last year she was still in shock and that her focus was just moving through each day, but now things have settled in and it’s even harder than last Christmas.

My heart broke for her and I was so glad I could just be there with her. As I listened to her process a few things happening lately, I was also reminded of another friend who just lost her son a few weeks ago. She is just so very early in this process and next Christmas, and the one after, and the one after that, she too will be processing through so many emotions.

This morning in my prayers, I prayed for these two women and their families. As I did, God brought me to mind all my friends who have lost a loved one—a father, a boyfriend, a wife, other sons, daughters, mothers, babies, a pet…the list goes on. As I prayed, God also reminded me of another death mentioned in the Bible, Lazarus in John 11.

There are so many parts to this story that are interesting to consider. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, but one of the lines in this section that frequently brings me comfort is verse 35, “Jesus wept.” It’s so simple and so Devine, so much hope.

This line comes at a point in the story where Jesus has spoken to both sisters, Martha and Mary. Mary had just said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus then sees her weeping and the others that mourn with her and “he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (John 11:32-33)

How many times have we done the same? Called out to God wondering why this tragedy was not avoided. Why He didn’t rescue us? Why did He take our loved one? Where is God in any of that? Why did He arrive late?

I don’t know the answer to any of that, but it is my belief that when “Jesus wept”, His tears were offered to comfort. He felt their pain, yet He was troubled. His tears ran from a deeper vein than just that moment. Think of all the death and tragedy He’s witnessed through the millenniums, and the fact that He knows what is offered to us on the other side.

Jesus, more than anyone else, knows the pain of each heart. He also understands that life is so much more than just this moment. That there is a greater purpose, a higher order, a grander plan than we can ever possibly understand and fathom. There is so much more to the Universe than we can see or comprehend. I believe Jesus wept, in part, because He wished He could offer us the comfort of what only our Creator knows. Yet, He was troubled because those mysteries could not yet be revealed.

To those that are grieving a loss, I hope you find some comfort in knowing that Our Creator is with you in the pain and although all secrets to the Universe or Devine plans cannot be revealed, that He (She) loves you immeasurably. His peace, comfort, and joy is there. May the sadness you feel be lifted so He (She) can reach you more readily.

Dearest Heavenly Father (Mother), you are with us always. We are so blessed that Jesus came here to show us your heart, your compassion, your love. Lord, for all those who are grieving a loss, please be with them today and everyday to nurture them through this process. This life is hard, Lord. You know that. We need you to help us through this very tough stuff. In Your Holy and Mighty name…

If you have prayer requests for me, lay’em on me. I’ve taken to praying on the treadmill. Yup, it’s a thing. LOL!