The Surprising Tear

We don’t know if this happened a few weeks or a few months before the Resurrection, but we do know Lazarus’ raising from the dead crystallized the religious leaders desire to seek Jesus’ death.

While their intense hatred was still mostly hidden from the public, Jesus was about to make his feelings on death and sorrow abundantly clear. 

Jesus’ close friend had died.  The two sisters, also good friends, were inconsolable.  Others there were wailing.  How did this affect Jesus?  He was “deeply moved.”  He was “greatly troubled.”  “Jesus wept.”  His tears hit the earth He created.  His emotions roiled for people He had knit together.  Jesus already knew this story would have a happy ending (John 11:4), so why cry?  Because He loved all those people there that day.

“Roll the stone away,” He told them.  “Lazarus, come out!” He commanded.

They had seen this from Him before – stopping funerals, reuniting families – but this was an epic finale! 

Yes, we have tried to be our own god, to pick our own way, to choose the darkened path – we deserved an eternity separated from Him and His love.  But he had different plans. 

The Lord loves you, He always has!

Prayer Prompt

1. Read – John 11

2. Contemplate – Spend time thinking about the Creator and Sustainer crying over those people at the grave site that day.

3. Confess – Pray for insight into ways you have tried to be god of your life.  Turn it over to Him.

4. Praise – Praise Him for His power over death.