There are many famous verses in the Bible, but one of the most well-known is John 11:35, which says, “Jesus wept.” This is the shortest Bible verse and one of the few places in Scripture where Jesus openly expressed emotion. Read on to learn more about why Jesus wept and what it can teach us about Him.
Why Did Jesus Weep?
The context of this verse is found in the story of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus who had recently died. When He arrived at the tomb where Lazarus was laid to rest, His emotions overwhelmed Him and He began to weep. The other people present were surprised that He would cry, as they knew Jesus was God’s Son.
The reason for Jesus’ tears was twofold: He was moved with compassion for the suffering of Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, who were grieving over the loss of their brother (John 11:33). Additionally, Jesus wept in anticipation of His own death that would soon come (John 11:35-36).
Although Jesus was aware of the miracle He was about to perform—raising Lazarus from the dead—His sorrow over His impending death was still very real. As a result, Jesus wept, showing us that grieving is okay even when we know God is in control.
This passage of scripture teaches us an important lesson about Jesus’s compassion, empathy, and understanding of human emotion. It also reveals a deeper truth about our faith—that God understands our emotions and is willing to join us in them.
No matter what you’re going through, our heavenly Father understands your pain and feels it with you every step of the way. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus weeps when you do, and turn to Him for strength and hope in times of sorrow.
However, God doesn’t want us to remain in a state of sorrow. Jesus wept when He saw Mary, Martha, and the others grieving, but then He performed a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. This was His way of showing them—and us—that there is always hope with Him.
How Can We Help Those Who Are Mourning?
When people mourn, they can feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and even confusion. It is important to remember that everyone deals with grief differently.
The most important thing you can do for someone who is mourning is to be there in whatever way they need. There are many other ways to offer help and support:
1. Listen Attentively
Sometimes, a grieving person just needs someone to talk to. Let them express their thoughts and feelings without judgment or interruption.
2. Be Patient
The mourning process can take a long time, so be patient with those who are grieving. It might seem like they are taking too long, but you should not rush anyone through the healing process.
3. Invite Them Out
Mourning can be a very lonely experience, so invite the person out to do something together. It doesn’t have to be anything grand; just getting out of the house and having someone to talk to can help lift their spirits.
4. Offer Practical Help
Grief is an exhausting process; many times those mourning don’t have the energy to do everyday tasks. Offer to help with practical things like grocery shopping, cleaning, or running errands.
5. Remember Them
It is common for grieving people to feel forgotten; make an effort to remember them on special days and holidays. It can be as simple as sending a card or a message, but the gesture will let them know that you are thinking of them.
6. Send Gifts or Meals
When someone is grieving, they may not have the energy to take care of themselves. Sending gifts or meals can be a great way to show your support and care for them during this difficult time.
7. Be Available
Mourning can be a long and difficult process. Make sure the person knows you are there for them no matter their need. Even if they just need someone to listen, try to make yourself available as much as possible.
We all have the power to make a difference in the lives of those who are mourning. Showing compassion and understanding can go a long way and help someone who is grieving start healing. Just as God comforts us in our hard times, we can offer hope and strength to those going through difficult times. This is a good way to live more like Jesus.
How Does God Comfort Us?
In John 11:33, we see that Jesus is “greatly troubled” and “wept.” In the face of death and suffering, even Jesus felt pain. But he also knew that there was hope beyond this life. In John 14:19, Jesus says, “Because I live, you also will live.” This promise of eternal life is one of the ways that God comforts us in times of trouble.
Through Jesus Christ, God assures us that we will never be alone. He comforts us with the truth of His Word and presence in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God knows what it is like to suffer. He understands our pain and sorrow. Isaiah 53:3 says that Jesus was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Because Jesus was willing to suffer for us, we know our suffering is never wasted or in vain. God redeems our pain and turns it into something good if we will let Him. He promises to use our trials and troubles for His glory (Romans 8:28).
God also offers us comfort through relationships. He gives us each other to share our burdens. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” We can lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ for support, prayer, and encouragement.
God comforts us with His mercy and grace as well. In Isaiah 49:13, it says that God will “comfort you with his love” and “rejoice over you with singing.” He promises to be with us and sustain us amid our suffering. This is incredibly comforting to know.
Another verse that offers God’s comfort is Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” This verse reminds us that nothing can stand in our way when God is with us. No matter how deep the darkness gets, His presence will sustain us and give us hope.
If you need comfort during a difficult time, turn to the Bible. The Bible will always remind you of God’s faithfulness and promise to never leave you. He is the source of true comfort, peace, and hope.
We can also pray to God for strength and courage during hard times. When we don’t know what else to do or where else to turn, God is always there with open arms. He can give us the wisdom and peace needed to endure the pain.
How Can We Hold On To Hope in Difficult Times?
These days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless when the darkness of life seems to be everywhere. But there are ways we can hang on to hope, even in the most difficult times:
1. Practice Gratitude
Take time each day to think of things you’re thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. Appreciating what we have, instead of focusing on what we don’t have, helps us to be hopeful.
2. Connect with Others
When times are tough, it can be tempting to isolate ourselves. But reaching out and connecting with others–whether through our social circles or professional networks–can help us feel less alone and more hopeful.
3. Take Action
Sometimes, the best way to combat hopelessness is to take action. Find a cause you care about and commit your time or donate money. Or simply go for a walk, read a book, or start that project you’ve been putting off–doing something tangible can help us gain a sense of control and restore hope.
4. Seek Professional Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, it’s important to seek professional help. A qualified therapist can offer tools and strategies to help you cope with difficult situations and find hope again.
You can also seek help from Church leaders and mentors to help you through life’s difficulties. While these people might not be called therapists, they can provide an invaluable source of support and understanding. They have a mission to help you in any way possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that hope is possible and that healing and growth can come from difficult times. We can all find our way back to hope with the right tools and support.
Does Praying Help Us Find Comfort?
Yes, prayer is one of the best ways to find comfort in times of trouble. When we pray, we talk to God and ask for His help. We can also ask others to pray for us. This is a powerful way to receive support and comfort during difficult times.
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This verse reminds us that when we pray, Jesus is with us. He will comfort us and give us the strength to overcome difficult times.
God always listens to our prayers. He hears us and is willing to help us in any way He can. Through prayer, we can express our feelings of hurt, confusion, or sadness without judgment. We can ask God for guidance and strength to endure difficult times.
However, we must be honest and open with God when we pray. We should talk to Him from the heart and be willing to accept whatever comfort or guidance He has for us. It is important to remember that praying does not always bring immediate answers or solutions. Sometimes, all we can do is wait and trust in God’s timing. But even during these times of waiting, God is with us and will provide us the comfort we need.
Can God Understand Human Emotions?
Yes, God can understand human emotions. He knows our feelings and thoughts even before we do. He understands when we feel joy, sadness, anger, despair, or any other emotion.
God is not only aware of our present emotions, but He also knows what lies ahead of us. He is familiar with our struggles because He has already lived through them. He always has our best interests in mind, no matter what we go through. He can relate to us on a deep level because of His own experiences.
You might be wondering when God had ever felt fear, doubts, or sadness in His perfect form. Well, the Bible tells us that He has done so many times throughout history. For example, when Jesus wept at the death of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35), God felt the pain of loss. He also understood what it was like to be betrayed, humiliated, and tortured when Jesus underwent trials before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:36–45). These difficult experiences enabled Him to relate more fully to our struggles.
God knows our hearts very well, meaning we cannot hide our true emotions from Him. He can see right into our souls and knows what we are feeling, even if we don’t want to admit or express it. He understands us far better than anyone else, which is why we can always turn to Him in times of need. We don’t have to put on a facade or pretend everything is okay when it’s not. Instead, we can open up to Him and receive His comfort, love, and acceptance.
Bottom Line
In the Bible, Jesus mourned and wept over Lazarus’ death. Mourning is a natural part of life, and it’s normal to experience deep grief when someone close to you passes away. Grief and mourning can have a transformative power that helps to heal and bring peace.
There are many ways to cope with loss, such as talking to family or friends, seeking professional help, or joining a grief support group. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that mourning allows us to remember and honor the lives of those we have lost. With time and understanding, we can learn to cope with our pain and move forward with strength.
