Wednesday; February 15

The shortest verse in the New Testament contains two words: Jesus wept (John 11:35). I am sure that these circumstances surrounding Jesus’ tears weren’t the only time Jesus cried, but a look back at the context of this observation can teach us a lesson today. Have you ever thought about why Jesus wept? Was it because Jesus was sad that Lazarus had died? Was it because Jesus lamented delaying His trip to see Lazarus when He first got word that His friend was sick? Was it because He wished He could have done something to prevent the death? No, I really don’t think these played into Jesus’ emotional response. Jesus understood that He had the power to reverse death and He had made the conscious choice to delay His trip to Bethany. I also believe that Jesus had already made up His mind that He was going to raise Lazarus when He shed the tears, so what prompted them? I get the impression that what got to Jesus was the sadness of the people around Him. John observes, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled …” (John 11:33). He was influenced by the emotions of the people around Him.

As Christians, it is easy to become detached to the suffering going on around us. Sometimes we have the ability to help those hurting and other times we are able to compartmentalize human sadness by looking at it through the eyes of eternity. Yet, we are reminded to be sensitive to the emotions of others. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). I am not saying that we have to take on all the emotions of the people around us, but let’s be responsive to what they are experiencing. When we do, we’ll appear more humane and they can be restored by knowing someone cares for them.

Think About It!

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