“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35 ESV
Grace Perspective:
The shortest verse in the Bible shows our Savior’s compassion, love, tenderness, and mercy. Jesus wept for His friend Lazarus who died four days earlier. He came to the home of Martha and Mary, Lazarus’s sisters, and heard the wailing of hearts shattered by the death of their beloved brother.
Jesus knew Lazarus was dying but purposefully delayed coming to His friend’s side to heal him from the sickness that caused his death. You see, Jesus knew those He loved needed a more profound lesson, that He is Lord even over death. Jesus wept with them, sharing their deep grief. Then He displayed His power as the Son of God, raising a man from the dead who had been in the grave for four days. Jesus shows both His humanity and divinity.
In this short passage, Jesus displays the truth that God sees, hears, knows, understands, and enters into our pain. He sheds gracious tears with those who mourn and reminds us that He has power of both sin and death. For one day, all who are in Christ Jesus will rise from the dead and joined to Him for all eternity.
A Touch of Grace:
What causes you to weep?
What brings you comfort?
Grace Application:
This verse has new meaning to me. Recently my precious Momma joined our Savior in Heaven. My heart is shattered and deeply grieved to know that while I remain here on earth, I will never be able to hug, kiss, laugh, or hold her hand. I miss the mornings when I would kiss her forehead and sing, “You Are My Sunshine.” I don’t miss her pain or suffering. I rejoice that she is whole, both in body and mind.
My grief is deep and will remain that way for some time. Yet, I have hope. Knowing that Jesus shares my pain and understands my suffering brings peace even while my tears fall. He has not abandoned us in suffering, but He weeps gracious tears with us.
Please pray for my family and me as we walk the path of sorrow, waiting with great expectation the day when we will be with Jesus and my precious Momma.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Thank you for my Momma. Thank you for the gift of caring for her in her later years as she cared for me as a child. Forgive me for the many times I grumbled and complained as I struggled with the horrible distresses of dementia. Thank you for the abundant mercy You gave and continue to provide as I grieve our separation. Lord, remind me that You too shed gracious tears knowing the pain is real. Comfort my heart Lord with the truth that You are here. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**