John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”
Very commonly referred to as “the shortest verse in scripture”, I was recently reminded of the context of this story. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, he gathered the disciples to head back to Judea. It clearly mentions that he loves Lazarus, which in my mind highlights the truth that Jesus cares about friendship. He experiences meaningful relational community just as we desire! When he arrives in Judea, he finds out that Lazarus has already died and it goes on to say that Jesus was “deeply moved in his spirit” while among his other mourning friends Mary and Martha. Although he ultimately performs the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead and restoring life, I’m just so struck by the sentimentality that Jesus displays throughout this passage.
Quite honestly, I have personally been in a season marked by grief and loss in multiple forms. There is something so incredibly comforting to me to read the words “Jesus wept” and know that He experienced these same intense emotional waves. He cried tears of sadness over the loss of his dear friend and simultaneously points to the glory of God. It’s a greater level of connection when someone can relate to our pain in this way, and I feel so grateful that it’s Jesus.
Friends, are we LOOKING for God in the midst of our situations? Do we believe that he cares about what we are going through and even experienced similar hardships here on earth? It’s a resounding yes! When our hearts are overwhelmed and the tears are quick to fall, lean in closer. You won’t regret it, I can promise you that.
Hannah Gramling, Wheatful Wednesday Devotional Author
Hannah is a residential realtor in DFW. She is passionate about encouraging women to chase hard after Jesus regardless of marital status. She believes linking arms in authentic community is a beautiful picture of His kindness & faithfulness.
Hannah loves accessorizing, making memories with her tribe, traveling the world, and the enneagram. Find her on the trails with her Boston Terrier pup, on an outdoor patio with friends, content creating, or dreaming about a new adventure!
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