How is Jesus Feeling?

“Jesus wept.”  John 11:35

The shortest verse in the Bible, and yet so telling.  A little background to this verse may be helpful.  Jesus was close friends with a family- Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  Mary was the one who had poured perfume on Jesus’ feet.

When Jesus received the word that Lazarus was sick, He did not respond as you would except, given their relationship.  Instead he lingered on where He was, proclaiming the Word of God.

When Jesus arrived and was told he was dead, he asked to be taken to the tomb where Lazarus lay.  This is when the Bible records today’s verse.  “Jesus wept.”  This is such a tender description of Jesus.  The Bible indicates that Jesus knew all along that Lazarus would die and that He would raise him back to life.  That is why this verse is so striking.  Even though Jesus knew that he had the solution to Mary and Martha’s problem, He identified with their pain in the meantime.

Regardless of where you are today, what you are going through or what lies ahead… Jesus sees your situation, He has great plans to help you, but until then… He is moved with compassion with where you are now.  He knows you are hurting.  He knows that you are scared.  And His heart is tender toward you.  He is moved with the feelings of our infirmity.

The God we serve is not a far off God who does not care.  No, instead He is a God who walks beside us each step of the way, caring for us, loving us, and crying with us.

Dear Lord, thank you that you are real.  Thank you that you care about me, your creation.  I pray especially today for those who are hurting, those who feel abandoned, those who think that everything is falling apart and they do not understand your timing or seeming delays.  Please comfort them and help them feel your presence even now.  Help them to rise up in their faith, knowing that you see and you will answer.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri