(Source from “The Word Among Us”)

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

Kara’s close friend had just passed away from cancer, leaving behind a husband and four young children. So many people had prayed for her to be healed, but it didn’t happen. Kara was baffled. How could a good and loving God allow this?

Kara searched the Scriptures for answers. Nothing satisfied her until she read these words in today’s Gospel: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). It didn’t solve the mystery of why God allows suffering, but it did comfort her. She knew that the Lord was with her and with all the people who were grieving the death of this young woman. In fact, she sensed that he was weeping along with them.

Jesus’ weeping at the tomb of Lazarus demonstrates how, as a human being, he experienced every emotion we experience, including grief. John writes that when Jesus arrived in Bethany and saw Lazarus’ sister Mary weeping, he was “deeply troubled” (John 11:33). This shows us that Jesus understands exactly what we are going through when we lose a dear friend or loved one. Not only that, but he feels the pain and sorrow that we are feeling. That’s why we can find so much solace in drawing near to him in those difficult times.

The reality of death was painful for Jesus even though he was planning to raise Lazarus. We might believe that a loved one is with God, and perhaps feel guilty about grieving because of the joy that they are now experiencing in heaven. But Jesus’ example shows us that it’s human to be sad, and that our faith isn’t somehow deficient if we grieve.

If you are experiencing grief, know that Jesus is with you in your sorrow, not as a dispassionate bystander, but as a fellow mourner. He understands your pain, and in your darkest hour, he is with you to comfort and console you.

“Jesus, thank you for never abandoning me, in good times and in bad.”