John 11:35-"Jesus Wept."

During summer break from school my mom would always sign me up for Vacation Bible School. Being from a small town in Ohio, all the kids from each of the four churches would attend. When the teacher asked us to memorize a verse in the Bible, my friends and I would always quote John 11:35, "Jesus Wept." I think the reason we chose that particular verse was because it was the shortest verse in the Bible. It was easy to memorize because it was only two words. 

This week as I was thinking about this blog, I began to think of this scripture verse. The verse is the shortest one in the Bible but I believe it speaks volumes as to the humanity of Jesus. Yes, Jesus is fully God but He is also fully man. This is one of those theological truths that scolars have debated for decades. How can one man be 100% deity and also 100% human? I will leave this paradox for you to explore. All I know is that it is true.

The Bible says in Hebrews 4:15-"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin." In Philippians 2:6-8 it says-"Jesus Christ: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-eveb death on a cross."

So, what is the significance of John 11:35? It is in this simple verse that we see Jesus' humanity on display. When Jesus saw Mary and those Jews who were with her in the  depths of sorrow because of  the death of Lazareth, Jesus wept. His emotions where on display when he experienced the heart ache of grief. He was moved with compassion towards those who were hurting.

We can take great comfort in this verse. We know that when things in our lives beome difficult and we feel as though we can't go on, Jesus is with us. He will never leave us and we can cry out to him and he will sit with us and enter into our pain to show us a way through. Psalms 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Go to God and experience his love, strength and comfort. He understands and may even shed a tear with you.

Prayer-Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being a friend who is with me when I struggle and weeps with me when I am hurting. When things get hard you are not far off but are with me. You are a God who didn't take the easy road in identifying with your children. You became a man to understand our weaknesses and help us overcome our struggles. I praise you for your faithfulness and compassion. In Jesus' Name, Amen!