Today we will talk about why did Jesus cry when Lazarus died. Many Christians do not know what this means. We often picture Jesus as the divine Son of God, capable of performing miracles, and while that is true, we sometimes overlook His very human emotions. This moment demonstrates not only His compassion and power but also His solidarity with our suffering. Let us be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word, understanding why this event is so significant.
Why Did Jesus Cry When Lazarus Died
The Love of Jesus
When we consider why Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus, the first aspect to understand is the love He had for Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus had a close relationship with this family, evident from John 11:5, which states, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” The Greek word for love used here is “agapao” (ἀγαπάω), which signifies a deep, unconditional love. This love reflects Jesus’ character and how much He truly cared for people.
Jesus’ love leads Him to empathize with the grief of Lazarus’ sisters. As we see in John 11:33-34, when He arrives at the tomb, He observes Mary weeping and is “deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” The Greek phrase “ἐταράχθη” (etarachthē) conveys a sense of outrage or intense emotional disturbance. Jesus was not just a passive observer; He felt the pain of loss that Mary was experiencing. This illustrates how He is deeply connected with our emotional states. We learn that our feelings matter to Him, as He suffers with us during moments of sadness.
Sometimes in our lives, we may feel alone or question if God understands our pain. Yet, the narrative of Jesus weeping serves as a reminder that God honors our feelings. Just as He felt grief over Lazarus’ death, He is present in our sadness. That intimate connection is very comforting, as it shows that Jesus is not distant or uncaring but is with us in our trials and tribulations.
Moreover, we must recognize that Jesus wept not just because He shared in the grief but also because He understood the depth of the situation. He knew that Lazarus would soon be raised from the dead, yet this did not diminish His empathy for Mary and Martha. This is a powerful example of how love can exist alongside the knowledge of hope. We, too, can hold both grief and hope as we navigate our own life challenges.
The Purpose of Suffering
The emotion Jesus expressed leads us to consider the purpose of suffering in our lives. The experience of death is one of the most significant forms of suffering we encounter. In John 11:4, Jesus tells His disciples, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.” This statement reveals an essential aspect of Jesus’ mission on Earth. He came to show that through death, God’s glory can manifest in powerful ways. The death of Lazarus was more than just an event; it was an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and love.
In Hebrew culture, death was often seen as a pathway to grief but also an ultimate reality that every individual will face. The Old Testament writings frequently speak of the struggles associated with death and showcase God as the deliverer who can overcome despair. In Psalm 34:18, we find that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This reaffirms the idea that God walks alongside us during our hardest times, meeting us in our suffering.
To further illustrate the purpose of suffering, we can turn to Romans 8:28, which reassures us that “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Though suffering is difficult, it can lead us to greater dependence on God and help us grow spiritually. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who through His own sorrow and anguish, set an example for us. His tears over Lazarus served a greater purpose—showing that God can redeem death itself.
Understanding that suffering has a purpose can sometimes make our burdens lighter. When we experience sadness, we can remember that God can bring good out of our circumstances. We are invited, through our heartaches, to draw closer to Him. The story of Lazarus challenges us to view suffering from a different perspective—one that is not only filled with despair but also with hope for renewal and restoration.
Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life
Another vital lesson from this passage involves Jesus identifying Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” In John 11:25-26, He states to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” This declaration shifts the focus from the tragedy of death to the promise of eternal life through faith in Him.
The word “resurrection” (ἀνάστασις, anastasis) in Greek means “standing up” or “rising again.” It is an affirmation of God’s power over death. Jesus, who had authority over life and death, was about to demonstrate this through Lazarus’ resurrection. The tears He shed were not for Himself but for those who did not yet comprehend the full extent of His power. In these moments, we see how Jesus balances divine authority with human emotion, embodying both omnipotence and compassion.
As believers, this truth shapes our understanding of death. While it undeniably brings grief and heartache, we have a hope that transcends our earthly experiences. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” This encouragement invites us to grieve with hope—to recognize that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life.
Jesus crying at Lazarus’ tomb reminds us that He understands the pain associated with death. Yet, He invites us to embrace the promise of eternal life through Him. His words and actions provide a powerful assurance that we can have peace, even amid our sorrow. We can confidently place our trust in Jesus, knowing that He holds the keys of death and life within His hands.
Our Response to Grief
Lastly, the tears of Jesus offer us insight into how we can respond to grief in our own lives. When faced with the loss of loved ones, we often grapple with various emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, and sometimes even guilt. Understanding that Jesus experienced these feelings helps us acknowledge that it’s okay to grieve. In fact, John 11:35—”Jesus wept”—is the shortest and perhaps one of the most powerful verses in the Bible, emphasizing the acknowledgement of grief as a normal and necessary part of life.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, we are reminded that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Our ability to express grief is vital for healing. Jesus did not hide His emotions or pretend that the situation didn’t hurt; instead, He showed us that expressing sorrow is essential. It is through sharing our emotions with God and accepting our humanity that genuine healing can begin.
Furthermore, we are also encouraged to support one another in our times of grief. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This reinforces the community aspect of healing, where we can come alongside friends and family in their struggles. In Jesus’ action, we see that compassion and presence are gifts we can offer to those grieving. We reflect His love for others by being there for them, listening to their stories, and comforting them in their pain.
Additionally, we should remember that hope exists even in the darkest circumstances. Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” Our grief can lead us to a deeper relationship with God. As we carry our burdens to Him, we often find strength and comfort. By leaning on God in our struggles, we can transform our grief into a source of empowerment.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on why Jesus cried when Lazarus died takes us on a journey through love, purpose, and the reality of grief. Jesus’ tears remind us that it is okay to feel pain and sadness. His love for Lazarus and those surrounding him showcases the depth of human connection, and His identity as the resurrection instills hope in our hearts. Through our grief, we have the assurance that our struggles are not in vain; they hold immense potential for growth.
Ultimately, we learn that we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus wept as He empathized with us, showing us that we can bring our sorrow to Him, who understands our hearts. As we experience our own grief, we hold tightly to the truth of eternal life and the promise that is found in Christ. Let us honor our emotions, support one another in times of loss, and find strength in the assurance of hope that Jesus offers to all who believe.
As we conclude our reflection, may we allow this story to encourage us to embrace both our humanity and our faith. Jesus weeping serves as a reminder of the beauty of love and connection with each other, even amid sorrow. May we find peace in His promise of resurrection and continue to share that hope with others.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4