Jesus Wept - John 11:35

John 11:35 -- "Jesus Wept."

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This verse is found just before Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been dead for four days and everyone was still grieving his death. When Jesus reached Bethany he met Martha and Mary, Lazaraus’ sisters. At Lazarus’ grave, many others were weeping as well. In that moment Jesus wept.

John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible and in my opinion one of the most powerful.

In our quest to be “like Christ” and good Christians, it is easy to feel like we have to lock the emotions up. Emotions are unpredictable, powerful and dangerous. However, instead of locking up our emotions we can harness them and truly walk with God.

Jesus often expressed deep emotion. Within this story (John 11:17-37), Jesus expresses several very powerful emotions: compassion, indignation, sorrow and even frustration.

I can barely even imagine the emotional upheaval in this scene. Lazarus was Jesus’ friend, a man he loved and saw as a brother. Mary and Martha sent Jesus a message that Lazarus was sick and yet he died. Jesus finally made it to Bethany and sees his friends in distress. He has an outpouring of compassion for their suffering.

When we see others suffering, we don’t have to hid our emotion. Jesus had great emotion for those He loved. It is possible to let emotion get away from you though. If your emotions, whatever you “feel” like that moment dictates what you do instead of the Almighty Jesus Christ, then it is time to refocus. However, having emotion can be encouraging and uplifting to others who are experiencing suffering.

There are more Devotionals where this one came from!

Study God's Word and be Blessed!