There is a lot going on in our world today. It seems like we are seeing more and more sadness, more and more pain, and more suffering than ever before. It’s enough for your heart to break.
Growing up, I always thought I was clever when someone asked me if I memorized any Bible verses and I responded, “Yup! Jesus Wept.” Oh, how clever am I! I was recently speaking at an event which we were teamed up with a few other youth groups and the topic was “your favorite Jesus story.” For some reason, “Jesus wept” popped into my head and I decided to look a little deeper at the stories that lead to our Lord and Savior shedding his tears.
John 11:35 records Jesus weeping as he looks at Mary and Martha and the other mourners who are sobbing uncontrollably after the death of Lazarus. In this instance, Jesus is crying silently with tears in his eyes. His tears are those of compassion for the people who are in pain after Lazarus passing.
The Second time “Jesus Wept” was Luke 19:41 As Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem he began to weep. This time it was the agonizing sops that Mary and Martha had when Lazarus died. He wailed in sadness and frustration for the cities future. In other words, Jesus cried for us.
The two times was recorded crying in the Bible was in compassion with us, and in sadness for us. In light of recent events, I believe that He is both crying for us and with us. His compassion knows no bounds, nor does his love.