“Jesus wept.” John 11:35

Jesus’ Broken Heart

This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet so powerful. In this story Jesus has purposely delayed going to see His friends Lazarus, Martha and Mary—knowing Lazarus is ill and will die—so that He could show them and those around them, the glory of God when He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:44).

He knew the rest of the story, how it would all end, and yet when He sees the pain it has caused Martha and Mary, He weeps when he comes to the tomb where they have laid Lazarus. 

He does the same for us. This story shows me that His heart breaks for our pain. He knows that as believers we will spend eternity with Him and the Father, yet He cares about the things going on right here and right now, too.

I’m walking through some tough stuff with one of my kids right now, and I’m sure it’s breaking His heart, but I also know He can bring things back to life, and no matter what happens, He cares. Lazarus laid in the grave for four days before Jesus went to them, not because He wanted to see them hurt, but because His mission always was to bring glory to God. Even though I’m weeping, I’m going to trust He will do the same thing in this situation. Martha and Mary knew if Jesus had only come before Lazarus died, He could have healed him (verses 21 & 32); what they didn’t know was that He had something much bigger in mind.

Take heart, dear ladies, Jesus cares for you and your loved ones in whatever situation you find yourself in. 

“Lord, thank You for showing us that You weep over the painful things in our lives and long to bring them new life. All to the glory of God. Amen.”