John 11:35 - Jesus Wept

Joh.11:35: Jesus Wept

   A brave mother told us about the loss of her 7-year-old son.
She described how her son loved Jesus and always thought of others
first. Our church had been praying for the boy who had a mysterious
illness. After several brain scans the physicians diagnosed his problem
as cancer of the brain stem. When his mother went in to break the
news, she took him in her arms and told him that the doctors said he
had only a short time to live. The unusual boy's first thought was
to comfort his mother, and he said, "Well, Mom, at least I've had
seven good years."
   I mentioned to the boy's grandfather that we dare not ask the
question Why? "We shouldn't ask that question," he commented, "because
there is no answer." In reality, there is an answer, but in the
complex play and counterplay of human events we cannot now sort it out.
We will not know the reason until, on the other side, we sit at the
feet of Jesus and He puts the puzzle together for us.
   In the meantime we can find comfort in knowing that when
Jesus stood beside the grave of His friend Lazarus, "Jesus wept." The
shortest verse in the Bible, it is poignant with meaning. Why did Jesus
weep? Was it because Lazarus was one of Jesus' best friends? because
Martha expressed confidence in Jesus by saying, "If you had been here,
my brother would not have died" (John 11:21, NIV)? Did Jesus weep
because Martha said, "I know that even now God will give you whatever
you ask" (verse 22, NIV)? Or was it because Jesus saw Mary and
others weeping and "was deeply moved" (verse 33, NIV)?
   Perhaps Jesus wept for all these reasons.
   Perhaps Jesus was also weeping for this 7-year-old boy and
his mother, and for all of us who suffer at various times and for
many reasons. Jesus' tears at the graveside of Lazarus are only a
microcosm of the pain He has experienced as He has watched the suffering
human race. So if you are going through a difficult time right
now-whether little or big-remember the tears of Jesus. He endured the cross
so He can empathize with you and sympathize with you. You can take
comfort and face life knowing that Jesus is close by your side.