Day 23 · Week 4
Passage: John 11:32–36
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:4
John 11:35 (KJV)
“Jesus wept.”
It is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it tells us something beautiful about Jesus.
He wept.
Lazarus had died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, were grieving. Jesus knew that in only a few moments He would call Lazarus from the grave. He knew death would not win that day.
Yet He still wept.
Jesus did not stand outside human sorrow and tell everyone that they should feel better because He knew how the story would end. He entered their grief.
That matters when we hear Him say, “Blessed are they that mourn.” The One promising comfort understands sorrow.
Sometimes Christians may feel pressure to hide grief because they think sadness shows a lack of faith. But hope and sorrow can exist together. We can believe in the resurrection and still miss someone who has died. We can trust God and still hurt deeply.
Jesus shows us that tears are not the opposite of faith.
And because He entered our world, suffered, died, and rose again, He can offer more than sympathy. He can promise that death itself will one day be defeated forever.
What does the fact that Jesus wept tell us about the way He responds to people who are hurting?
You never have to hide your sorrow from Jesus. He understands grief and invites you to bring it to Him.
Thank Jesus for caring about our pain. Pray especially for someone you know who is grieving or going through a difficult time.