Jesus Wept

Scriptures: “Jesus Wept.” (John 11:35)

In my life, I have been to many funerals, some for believers and some not. In general, I think I can argue that the funeral services for believers are peaceful and some are even praiseful. But, for the non-believers, the atmosphere is so heavy that, sometimes, I find it hard to breath there.

This is especially true when it comes to the burial service when the coffins were to be placed inside the tombs. The families of the deceased, for those non-believers, wailed so bad that you could sense the hopelessness in their hearts. To them, that was the point in time for an eternal separation. Death was such a horrifying destiny that it took away the life of the deceased and the hope of the living.

Therefore, whenever I read this passage, I can understand why the Jews wept when Lazarus died. But, at the same time, I can’t help ask myself this question: “What moved Jesus to tears?” It was apparent from the passage that He knew He was going to raise Lazarus to life. He even proclaimed that “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) So, with the power to life in His hands, what caused Him to weep?

I think the answer is in the picture He saw then. That was a group of Jews, the chosen people of God, wailing over the death of Lazarus. It wasn’t that they did not know there’s life after death because Martha, in her response to the Lord’s comment, said, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24)

But, the fact remained that they felt powerless and hopeless before death. They had once put hope in their Lord, hoping He could come earlier to prevent the death of Lazarus from happening. But, when it comes to death, they must have thought that “not even Jesus can do anything about it.” To them, death has the final say about anyone’s life, including those people of God.

I think that’s what moved Jesus to tears. It was human being’s inability to free themselves from the bondage of sin and the wage of sin and their fear-jammed faith that blocked their view of life-giving power and glory of the loving God that moved Him into tears. Although these are exactly the reasons why He came to us in the first place, this fear-filled life and the darkened view of God touched His heart deeply.

More than that, it was just about a week or two before the Passover and, by then, Jesus has performed so many miracles in their midst, including raising the daughter of Jairus and the young man at Nain. But they were still not able to see life the way God wanted them to see. They still lived under the shadow of death.

Today, as a New Testament era believer, let’s not be so quick in judging them. Having attended so many Good Friday and Easter services, let’s ask ourselves what our view of life and death is. It’s interesting to note that Jesus always proclaimed Himself to be the life, never the death. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) He also said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) I think God is trying to tell us that, in Him, we receive life, not death, and that nothing can take it away from the people of God.

As the Easter of this year is coming close, I want to meditate on the very thing that moved Jesus to tears. He came to die so we may be delivered from death. Yet, if we care to look around, we are going to find so many people around us are still living under the curse, the power and the shadow of death. Will the very thing that moved our Lord to tears also move us to tears? Will the very thing that prompted Him to come and save us also move us to go and share this wonderful salvation from Him? Will we be the messengers who bring the glorious hope from Easter to them? May God help us!

Prayer Requests:
For those losing their loved ones

Prayer:

Our gracious Lord and Redeemer, help us to humble before You. Strengthen us so we may gain full confidence that You are the Lord of life and that we may be bold to proclaim the glory of Your resurrection and share this glorious hope You brought us with those around who have not yet enjoyed the power of the hope in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!