Now Jesus Wept

John 10-12

When a good friend dies, you cry. That's what we do, and that's what Jesus did. It's an interesting story about him and Lazarus and his sisters. He has been working to convince his fellow Israelites to believe him and to believe in him. He's been performing miracles, teaching wisdom with authority, and pouring out compassion on the poor and outcasts.

Jesus is working to save Israel from coming destruction at the hands of Rome. He's got a few people who are understanding him and trusting him. But not enough of the leaders are willing to have faith in him and his words.

When it comes to the Lazarus story, Jesus delays coming to his friends side. By waiting, he lets his friend die. Mary and Martha know that Jesus took longer then is normal to come when they requested. They know that had he come earlier, Lazarus would still be alive. But they don't expect Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. That is what Jesus is planning on doing, but nobody is hoping for it. 

So why does Jesus cry? If he knows that he can raise Lazarus from the dead, why the emotional outburst? Is it because Jesus is against death just as much as us? Is it the sobbing of his friends that gets to him? Is it connected to his coming execution?

Mary and Martha come across as brilliantly observant, tender-hearted, trusting, and wise. They believe Jesus, they believe in him, and they love him. Yet they are really frustrated with him. Jesus is patient with them, for he knows more about what is going on then they do. And so it is with us. We get frustrated with Jesus. But he's working his plan, which is bigger then us - but includes us.

Jesus wanted another sign for Israel about who he is, what God is doing, and what they need to do. Lazarus' death and resurrection became a catalyst for salvation. People chose to put their faith in Jesus, to listen to his words of warning and instruction.

Just as Jesus was facing the threat of death from the Pharisees, so Lazarus became a target of their hate. But Jesus wouldn't back down from his work, and Lazarus bravely went a long in support. In the midst of the strife and controversy, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed as its king. This raised the tension in the air up - not only religiously, but politically, economically, and militarily.

Jesus is provoking the ones with power, goading them to try to kill him. He knows that if he speaks the truth, calls Israel to love their neighbor and enemy, and insists on wisdom and integrity from its leaders, he'll get crucified. His call to righteousness was too provocative, too dangerous, too revolutionary. But rejection of Jesus and his teachings would result in destruction from Rome. Within a generation, Jerusalem was ravaged.

Jesus wept for Lazarus. Jesus wept for Mary and Martha. Jesus wept for his own death. Jesus wept for all the men, women and children who have died. Jesus wept for those that rebel against their Father in Heaven. Jesus wept for those that oppress and crush humanity. Jesus wept for those with lonely, broken homes and hearts. 

Jesus wept for sinners. Jesus wept for his followers. Jesus wept for the dying and sick. Jesus wept for the powerful and wealthy. Jesus wept for those who don't know what they are doing. Jesus wept out of compassion. 

Now Jesus wept out of loving-kindness.