Hey Guys,
Most of us are probably familiar with the "shortest verse" of the Bible, and even if we can't always remember that it is John 11:35, I'd imagine most could quote it as "Jesus wept." I've always been fascinated with that, why was he weeping? After all, John 11:5-6 tells us that his late arrival was intentional (and cited love as his reason for not going sooner), and he more than hinted that he was going to resurrect Lazarus. So why shed tears for a dead man soon to be brought back to life? Perhaps it was out of shared grief with Mary and Martha in the passion of the moment; but I wonder if there isn't more here than emotional empathy..
Verses 4 and 15 tells us the reasons why Lazarus had to die, that it was for the purpose of glorifying God and for people to come to see Jesus as God. The point of his earthly ministry: the parables, the miracles, raising of Lazarus, all the way down to the cross itself was for the purpose of giving us access to God. To have us believe in him. This is a loving act on God's part because what we NEED most in this life and the next IS God (this is a foundational assumption a Christian needs to establish before becoming a believer). So God's deepest desire is to give us what we most desperately need: himself.
Upon Jesus' arrival at Bethany, he was accosted three times by Martha, Mary, and the crowd and asked why he did not come in time to prevent Lazarus' death. They were looking for the blessing and not the blesser. Jesus' answer was simply this, "I AM the resurrection." What you need, I am; even if you do not know what your needs really are. Verse 33 and 38 tells us that Jesus was greatly distressed upon seeing that they did not see him for who he is, God. If they had, there should have been no weeping, but full confidence in his godhood and love. If Jesus' weeping was merely empathy for the (albeit temporary) sorrow of Mary and Martha, why would their lack of trust ("why weren't you here?") bother/hurt him? Which leads me to think...perhaps some portion of the tears Jesus shed was over the anguish of them not seeing him when they desperately needed to?
My closing thoughts on the matter is simply this: As much as God cares about our physical needs, he knows those needs to be temporary and our spiritual needs to be eternal. He is infinitely more concerned about meeting the latter, even at cost to the former if it is necessary. And for this, I love him.
Happy Wednesday!
Edward
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:31-33
"And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." John 17:3
Worst hunter ever (no animals were harmed in the making of this video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk0HYn2u7c0&feature=related
He is Jesus, after all.
ReplyDeleteI think he wept out of empathy for his sad friends around him, but also out of his own pain at his friend Lazarus's death. He knew he could bring him back to life, however, the idea that a dear friend could cease to exist was still sad. I.e., if an imperfect human can feel incredible sadness at a loved one's death, how much more so would a perfect person (Jesus) feel it, understanding its full significance? Great blog btw ^^
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