John 11:28-37 is about Jesus displaying his humanity by weeping for his friend Lazarus before performing one of his greatest miracles – raising Lazarus from the dead – illustrating the depth of his compassion for humanity’s suffering and foreshadowing his own resurrection.
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
Setting the Scene for John 11:28-37
In John chapter 11, we find Jesus arriving in the town of Bethany after receiving news of his dear friend Lazarus’ death. As he approaches the village, Martha, Lazarus’ sister, runs out to meet him, expressing her grief and faith in Jesus’ ability to heal her brother. Jesus assures her that Lazarus will rise again, revealing his divine power and authority over life and death.
Upon hearing that Jesus is asking for her, Mary, the other sister of Lazarus, rushes to him, accompanied by a group of mourners who had come to console her. The scene is filled with a mix of emotions – sorrow, hope, and anticipation. The crowd is curious to see what Jesus will do, some believing in his miracles while others remain skeptical.
As Jesus stands before the tomb of Lazarus, the onlookers are filled with a sense of awe and wonder. They witness the power of God as Jesus commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and to their amazement, Lazarus emerges, alive and well. The atmosphere shifts from mourning to jubilation as the crowd rejoices in this incredible display of divine intervention. This powerful moment solidifies the belief of many in Jesus as the Son of God, capable of performing miracles beyond human comprehension.
What is John 11:28-37 about?
The verse where Jesus weeps at the tomb of Lazarus is a powerful demonstration of his humanity and empathy towards others. Jesus’ emotions and his ability to connect with the pain and suffering of those around him are evident in this moment. It serves as a reminder that even though Jesus is divine, he also experienced the full range of human emotions, including sorrow and grief.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by emotion when faced with the suffering of someone you care about? Jesus’ tears at the tomb of Lazarus show us that it is okay to feel deeply and express our emotions when confronted with loss and pain. His tears also serve as a powerful example of how we can show compassion and support to others in their times of need. We can truly embody the loving and compassionate spirit of Jesus by allowing ourselves to feel and empathize with the pain of those around us.
Understanding what John 11:28-37 really means
In the poignant narrative of the raising of Lazarus, we find Jesus visiting the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha, in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. The familiarity of the setting underscores the close relationships Jesus had with His followers, emphasizing His humanity and compassion.
“The Teacher is here and is calling for you” (v. 28) – This simple yet profound statement highlights Jesus’ role as a teacher and spiritual guide. It signifies His personal care and attention to individuals in their moments of need, showing His intimate connection with those He loves.
“Jesus wept” (v. 35) – These two words encapsulate a wealth of emotion and meaning. In His tears, Jesus reveals His deep compassion and empathy for human suffering, demonstrating that even the Son of God is not immune to the pain of loss.
“See how he loved him!” (v. 36) – This exclamation speaks volumes about the genuine love and affection Jesus had for Lazarus, mirroring His boundless love for all of humanity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Christ’s love for each one of us.
In Romans 12:15, we are encouraged to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,” echoing the sentiment of John 11:35. This verse emphasizes the importance of empathy and shared sorrow in Christian fellowship, highlighting the value of walking alongside others in their joys and sorrows.
Hebrews 4:15 reinforces the idea that Jesus, as our high priest, can empathize with our weaknesses. This passage assures us that in our moments of struggle and pain, we have a compassionate Savior who understands and shares in our human experiences and emotions.
In today’s world, marked by suffering and loss, the message of empathy and compassion from John 11:28-37 resonates deeply. Jesus’ tears remind us that it is okay to grieve and that we are not alone in our sorrow. His personal call to Mary underscores the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Him, finding comfort and guidance in the midst of our darkest moments.
The story of Lazarus’ resurrection offers hope in the face of despair, reminding us that even in the depths of death, there is the promise of new life and resurrection. Just as Jesus brought hope and healing to Mary and Martha, He offers the same to us today, inviting us to find solace in His unfailing love and compassion.
Imagine a pastor amidst a community ravaged by a disaster, sitting with a grieving mother who has lost her child. As he weeps with her, sharing in her pain, a profound connection is forged. This act of shared sorrow mirrors Jesus’ tears for Mary and Martha, illustrating that in our deepest grief, there is someone who understands and shares our pain, offering a glimmer of hope and connection in the midst of darkness.
In conclusion, John 11:28-37 serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ deep empathy and love for humanity. It calls us to embody compassion, cultivate a personal relationship with Him, and find hope in the midst of our darkest moments, knowing that we are never alone in our pain.
How can we show empathy and support in grief?
When we see someone in grief, it is vital to show empathy and support by being present with them in their pain. We can offer our comfort through our actions and words, demonstrating that we care deeply about their well-being and are there to listen and provide a shoulder to lean on. We can create a safe space for them to express their sorrow without fear of judgment by acknowledging their emotions and validating their feelings.
We can also offer practical help and assistance to lighten their burden, whether it is running errands, preparing meals, or simply being there to offer a helping hand. These gestures of kindness and compassion can go a long way in showing our love and support for those who are grieving, reminding them that they are not alone in their time of need. Our willingness to accompany them in their sorrow speaks volumes about our capacity for empathy and our commitment to stand by them through thick and thin.
Application
Picture your life as a demanding job and your family as your core team. In John 11:28-37, Jesus demonstrated unrivaled compassion, especially during moments of sorrow. Today, let’s be like Him, offering not just words but tangible support to those in need around us. Your colleague overwhelmed with work? Step in and lend a hand. A family member down with illness? Cook a meal or run an errand for them. How will you be the light in someone else’s life today?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.