Scripture Reading: John 11:28-37
Jesus Wept
Intro.
1. The tender affection of Jesus for Lazarus, Mary and Martha stirs our hearts with admiration: how He loved this family! (Jno 11:36)
2. We need the ability to empathize with others, Rom 12:15-16.
a. “action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to…experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another”. (Merriam-Webster)
b. Results from having the “same mind toward one another” (12:12).
c. Jesus sympathizes with us, Heb 4:15.
-Sympathy: “a relationship between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the other” (Merriam-Webster).
3. Great lessons to be learned from this shortest verse in the Bible.
I. BECAUSE JESUS WEPT:
A. His Humanity is Confirmed (Son of man). cf. 1 Jno 4:2-3; 2 Jno 7
1. Emotions (grief, groaning, crying) infer his humanity.
2. What His humanity means, Heb 2:14-18. By becoming human…
a. Jesus died to destroy the devil (14).
b. Jesus releases those bound by sin and death (15-17).
c. Jesus suffered, tempted and overcame it; he aids us (18).
B. His Deity is Confirmed, Jno 11:25-26, 38-44.
1. We see the divine heart for hurting men and women.
2. His power over death gives blessed healing and joy.
3. God’s compassion for sinners, cf. Lk 15:20.
C. God Allows Human Suffering, Jno 11:15, 21-23, 38-40.
1. Suffering is common to all due to sin’s entrance into world and Satan’s activity in it, Gen 3:17-19; Job 1:7-12.
2. That God allows human suffering is not because: God is uncaring (1 Pet 5:7); uninterested (Phil 4:6-7); unable to respond (Lk 1:37); punishing for sins (Jno 9:1-3).
3. God is fully acquainted with suffering: Jesus on the cross, Isa 53:3-5.
4. There is a bigger picture to be seen beyond present suffering:
a. Growth of our personal faith, 1 Pet 1:6-9.
b. Spiritual discipline, if we will avail ourselves of it, Heb 12:7, 11.
c. So, we must not lose heart: keep eyes on heaven! 2 Cor 4:16-18
II. JESUS ALSO WEPT AND/OR WAS MADE SORROWFUL…
A. When Sinners Harden their Hearts and Refuse to Believe, Mark 3:5.
1. If not tears, He was sorrowful over their evil intent (2) and lack of faith in Him.
2. People harden their hearts due to:
a. Allegiance to human tradition, Mk 7:5-13.
b. Praise of men (misplaced love), Jno 12:42-43.
c. Deceitfulness of sin, Heb 3:12-13. (Pleasure, apathy, neglect)
d. Stubborn rebellion, Ezek 3:7. (Pride)
3. Do not grieve God by hardening your heart against Him! Eph 4:30
B. When God’s People Rebel and will not Repent, Lk 19:41.
1. God does not take pleasure in the death of sinners, Ezek 18:30-32.
2. God gives His people season of grace for repentance, Lk 19:44; cf. 2 Pet 3:9, 15. Rebellious Christians break God’s heart!
C. During a Moment of Great Trial, Heb 5:7.
1. Gethsemane, Matt 26:37-38; Lk 22:41-44.
2. His trial did not prevent sacrifice, submission and steadfastness.
3. Emboldened through faith, obedience and divine comfort.
III. LESSONS FOR US.
A. We must have a Heart of Compassion for Others when they Hurt, Col 3:12; Rom 12:15-16; 1 Pet 3:8-9.
1. Spiritual trials and trouble, Gal 6:2.
2. Physical needs, cf. Acts 20:35.
B. We must Trust God when we Hurt and Suffer Loss, cf. Heb 13:5-6.
1. Even though we don’t understand the reason, cf. Job, Jas 5:10-11.
2. Why? Because we trust the outcome God will give! (Jas 5:11)
a. Jesus, Matt 27:45-46; Psa 22:1, 11, 19-24.
b. Paul, 2 Tim 4:16-18.
C. Live and Believe in Jesus, Jno 11:26.
1. First: become a Christian. Life from death: Conversion, Rom 6:3-4.
2. Then: Be faithful to live in Christ: Put away sin, Rom 6:1-2, 11; Gal 2:20; Col 3:1-5.
a. Walk in God’s good works, Eph 2:10.
b. Spiritual growth to maturity takes commitment and time, 1 Pet 2:1-3. Commitment to put aside sin (1), to nourish yourself with the word of God (2), to remember God’s grace (3).
Conclusion
1. A weeping Jesus assures us that God cares for us.
2. A powerful Jesus assures us that God will raise us from the dead.
3. The same Jesus can raise you from the death of sin.
4. A reigning Jesus assures us we will be judged by Him in the last day.