Pain and suffering are universal experiences in life, often accompanied by tears and weeping. Even Jesus, during his time on earth, shared in this reality. He wept and grieved over the death of his friend Lazarus. Crying, in some cases, serves as a form of social bonding, but there is a distinction between crying and weeping. Weeping involves a profound expression of emotion through tears, while crying is more about the audible expression of sorrow. Today’s text delves into the reasons why Jesus wept and what his tears teach us about human experience and divine compassion.
Jesus was not an emotionless figure or a distant deity; he was fully human with real emotions. He experienced the same feelings of joy, sorrow, and compassion that all people face. Though he was sinless, as stated in Hebrews 4:15, he sympathized deeply with human weakness. His compassion extended to those who were distressed and felt abandoned, likening them to sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). His sinlessness enhanced his ability to perfectly understand and empathize with human suffering.
One of the most profound lessons Jesus taught us is how to weep with purpose. When Lazarus died, Jesus wept alongside Martha and Mary, sharing in their sorrow. This act of solidarity demonstrates his deep empathy and love for humanity. It also reminds us that Jesus not only understands our struggles but actively shares in them. Just as he loved Lazarus, Jesus loves his church and all who follow him with the same depth and sincerity.
One reason for Jesus’ tears was the people’s limited understanding of death’s inevitability. Those mourning Lazarus may have been preoccupied with questioning why he had to die, yet death is an inescapable reality for everyone. Jesus used this moment to remind Martha of his power over death, saying, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25). Accepting the certainty of death allows us to live more intentionally in the present, grounded in hope rather than fear.
Another reason Jesus wept was to reveal the true cause of death—sin. While the world often attributes death to natural causes like illness or accidents, Scripture makes it clear that sin is the ultimate reason for death. Romans 6:23 states, “The wages of sin is death.” Jesus sought to shift the people’s focus from superficial explanations to the deeper spiritual truth: humanity’s need for redemption from sin. His tears reflected his desire for people to understand this crucial reality.
Jesus also wept because people failed to recognize him as the solution to sin and death. Instead of addressing the root cause of death, humanity often looks to temporary, worldly solutions. Jesus declared himself as the great “I AM,” the resurrection and the life, offering eternal hope to those who believe. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his divine power and provided a foretaste of the ultimate victory over death. Faith in him is the only proper response, as he is the most reliable and trustworthy source of salvation.
Another cause of Jesus’ grief was humanity’s blindness to the eternal hope he provides. People mourn the loss of loved ones without realizing that, through Christ, a joyful reunion is possible. Jesus proved this truth by bringing Lazarus back to life and sharing a meal with him, symbolizing the joyful fellowship believers will experience in the resurrection (John 11:44; 12:1-2). This hope sustains Christians as they anticipate Christ’s return and the glory of eternal life, a joy that cannot be shaken.
Finally, Jesus’ tears reveal his enduring love for sinners and his desire for them to embrace the hope of eternal life. He is the God of the living, as demonstrated in his relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are alive in heaven. Through faith in Jesus, we find comfort and peace even in times of mourning. Although we grieve the loss of loved ones, we also experience the joy and hope that come from trusting in the living God. Jesus continues to weep with us in our sorrows, but his presence brings comfort and the assurance of eternal life with him.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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