John 11:35  Jesus wept

When Jesus finds his friends Mary and Martha grieving the death of their brother, Lazarus, Jesus weeps with them.  This is after Jesus has told His disciples:  “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).  Jesus empathized with his friends’ grief, even knowing God eventually would raise Lazarus from death to life.  

Jesus takes compassion on us when we cry.  He weeps with us when we are worn by our circumstances.  He is right next to us, experiencing our pain, even as He is working to transform our suffering, resurrect new life  and restore joy in our hearts. We don’t see as He sees, but He sees how we see.  He knows the depths of our longing.  He cries with us, even as He brings beauty, hope and glory to full restoration. 

Photo: Riverbend Church, Austin