Read and meditate on John 11.33-35.
Jesus wept. But why?

                         ³³And when He saw that she
was weeping, and the people weeping too,
He groaned within His Spirit, and was moved
and troubled. ³⁴And He said, “Where have you laid
him?” And they said to Him, “Come to his grave
and see.” ³⁵And Jesus wept.

 - John 11.33-35

Reflect
1. Verse 35 is the shortest verse in the Bible. It’s also quite enigmatic. Given what Jesus knew was about to transpire, it’s fair to ask why He wept. Clearly, John wants us to see in His weeping an element of sympathy. How can you see that in these verses? Why was this appropriate? Complete the following brief prayer: Lord, I know that You know everything about me, and when I’m sad or sorrowing…

2.  We read that Jesus “groaned in the spirit and was troubled” (v. 33). There is a hint of irritation or agitation in those two words groaned and was troubled. Seeing all these people weeping irritated and agitated Jesus somewhat. Why? What might have caused Him to feel this way? Lord, keep me day by day from whatever may…

3.  Jesus’ only question was to ask where they had laid Lazarus (v. 34), that is, where he had been buried. Why didn’t Jesus say, “Now, now, it’s going to be all right. You’ll see, Lazarus will live again”? Why did He allow them all to continue weeping? What do you think? Lord, You don’t always tell us everything, or act as or when we might like, but…

4.  We note that “Jesus wept” even before they arrived at the tomb (v. 38). He knew would He was going to do, and how everyone would feel in just a short while. Could He have been weeping for joy? Meditate on Hebrews 12.2. Did Jesus know joy and sadness in His great moment of suffering? Is that possible? The joy of know You, Lord, is a constant presence, even when…

5. This much we know about Jesus’ weeping: It was perfect, holy, altogether appropriate weeping, and it expressed the full range of emotions people feel at the loss of a loved one. Can we learn to weep like Jesus did? Should we? Explain. Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.

Summary
“Christ was deeply agitated with his inner organs all in turmoil, because at this point he was going to raise up only Lazarus and not yet all the dead. Who then could think that Christ shed tears on this occasion out of human weakness when the heavenly Father weeps over the prodigal son, not when he goes away but at the moment when he welcomes him back? And so, Christ shed tears over Lazarus because he was welcoming him back, not because he lost him. And to be sure, it is not when he sees the crowd weeping that Jesus weeps, but when he asks them questions and sees in their responses no trace of faith.” Peter Chrysologus (380-450 AD)

Do we weep for the sad plight of those who have no faith in God? With those who sorrow at the loss of a loved one? For joy over a sinner who repents? Jesus bore witness with His weeping. Might not we?

Closing Prayer
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40.1-3

Psalm 40.1-5 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry,
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save!

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare? None with You can e’er compare.
T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.