When Jesus Wept
In John 11:35, we read the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” The context for this verse is that Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died, and Lazarus’ sister Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
When Jesus saw Lazarus’ other sister, Mary, he could not contain himself any more. When he saw Mary weeping, he groaned in spirit and was troubled (John 11:33). Then, as verse 35 says, “Jesus wept.”
Why Did Jesus Cry?
Because of Lazarus’ Death
The first reason Jesus wept was because his friend, Lazarus, had died. In John 11:3, we read that Lazarus was “sick.” Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).
We also know from the context that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. In John 11:5, we read that Jesus loved Lazarus. In John 11:3, we read that Jesus “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”
So, the first reason Jesus wept was because his friend had died. He loved Lazarus, and he was grieved at his death.
This reminds us that Jesus, though he is the Son of God, is also a human like us. He experiences the same emotions we do. He knows what it is like to mourn the loss of a friend.
In Hebrews 4:15, we read that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Jesus has felt grief. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb. Think about that for a second. The Son of God has felt sadness and sorrow. The Creator of the world knows what it is like to lose a friend.
When you are sad and grieving, remember that Jesus wept too. Remember that he knows what you are going through. He is not some distant, unapproachable God. He is a God who knows our sorrows and weeps with us.
In Isaiah 53:3, we read that Jesus was a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” He knows what it feels like to grieve. He knows what it feels like to weep.
Ask Jesus to comfort you in your grief. Ask him to bring you peace and joy. Ask him to be with you in your grief.
Because Mary and Martha Wept
The second reason that Jesus wept is because he saw Mary and Martha weeping. In John 11:33, we read that when Jesus saw Mary weeping, “he groaned in spirit and was troubled.”
When he saw their tears, it made him sad. It grieved him to see them so sad. He loved them, and he didn’t want to see them hurting.
This too reminds us that Jesus has compassion on those who are pain and hurting. In Matthew 9:36, we read that “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
In Luke 7:13, we read that Jesus had compassion on a widow whose son had died. In John 15:13, we read that Jesus has compassion on us.
If you are going through a difficult time, know that Jesus has compassion on you. He knows what you are going through. He knows how you feel. And he wants to help you.
Pray to him in your time of need. Ask him to help you. Ask him to comfort you and give you strength.
Jesus Wept Because of Death In the World
Jesus wept because of death in this world that God created.
In Genesis 2:17, God said to Adam, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Death came into the world because of sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, they brought death into the world. And ever since then, death has been a part of this world.
When Jesus saw the tomb and saw Mary and Martha weeping, he wept too because of the pain and sorrow caused by sin. He knows how much death hurts. He knows how much it hurts to lose a loved one.
And he wants to do something about it. In John 11:25-26, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Jesus came to defeat death. He came to give us life. He came to give us hope.
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you trust him for eternal life? If not, turn to him today. Trust him as your Savior. Believe in him, and he will give you eternal life.
God’s word says that he will save anyone that calls on his name. In Romans 10:13, we read that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
If you are grieving today, call on Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life. He can give you hope and comfort in your time of need.
Jesus Conquered Death
The good news is that even though we weep now, Jesus will soon put our weeping to an end. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
In Revelation 21:4, we read that “he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
When Jesus returns, he will make all things new. He will wipe away our tears and give us eternal life.
There will be no more death, sadness, or sorrow. There will be no more pain or suffering. We will be with Jesus forever, and we will be happy and joyful for all eternity.
Keep your hope in him. And one day, your tears will be no more.
Bible Verses About Jesus Weeping
Although there is only one place in Scripture where we actually see Jesus weeping, there are many verses that tell us about God’s compassion for us in our suffering and sorrow.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 )
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” (Isaiah 61:1)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'” (Revelation 21:3-4)
If you are grieving today, know that Jesus knows your pain. He wept over the sorrow of death, and he longs to comfort you in your time of need. Turn to him and trust him for strength and peace.
