Lazarus

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

I was privileged to participate in a Bible Study on the Gospel of John chapter 11 today.

This is the story of Lazarus.

Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was very sick, but He did not come as soon as they wanted him to.

Lazarus died.

When Jesus finally arrived Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.

The crowd mocked Jesus saying, "Hey, you made the blind to see. Why didn't you prevent his death?"

Martha said, "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

Mary said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."

The people mourned Lazarus' death.

When Jesus saw their tears, he wept.

Did he weep because Lazarus had died, or were there other reasons for his tears?

Perhaps he wept because of the people's disbelief. Jesus understood what it was like to be rejected by family, unbelievers, and even believers. In spite of the humiliation, rejection, and ultimate death on the cross, he always exhibited compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, and peace to all.

The rest of the story...

John 11:43-44 says, "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."

Weeping Jesus, suff’ring One,

Whose tears and sorrows we may trace;

In the Book of God’s dear Son,

We see His marred yet smiling face.
Weeping Jesus,Weeping Jesus—died for me.
Weeping Jesus, royal King,

And yet an humble sacrifice;

Thou didst give Thy life to pay

For us the great redemption price.
Weeping Jesus, oh, what love

Was shown through Thee to men in sin!

Is the human heart too hard

For this great love to melt and win?
Weeping Jesus, more each day

I would be filled with only Thee;

Grace my heart and life, I pray,

With meekness that the world may see.

Barney E Warren - 1911