Though the shortest verse within the Bible is often quoted ("Jesus wept." John 11:35 KJV), it is not the only instance that Jesus is found showing human-like emotions. While we get a glimpse into the ministry of Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament, we also get many different interactions, allowing us to see that Jesus lived through a lot. As individual as each of our challenges are, Jesus' life story shows us that there is a source for refuge that we all have access to. Throughout this blog, we'll view some instances of Jesus sharing His emotion while dealing with some relatable issues through his ministry that shows He not only understands but experienced a lot of relatable challenges.
Jesus has lived through or helped through someone in our situation(s). Though we have the practice of prayer, it is also humbling to read about Jesus feeling the emotions of the world we live in, too.
Understanding the context to this well-known verse, we read about Jesus looking for where Lazarus has been placed due to his death. Lazarus has been dead now for 4 days, beyond the Jewish belief that a spirit is still near the body, allowing Jesus to challenge current beliefs along with this miraculous resurrection. Offering to show Jesus where they have him, Jesus weeps before leading them to the tomb. Though the writers allude to Jesus' weeping, thinking due to the love He felt for Lazarus, I find myself feeling like His groans and disappointment also come from the lack of faith felt by those nearest.
If a death is something that you are dealing with, Jesus is not foreign to death. If fact, he challenged it directly within this passage. Doubt was surrounding Jesus from all sides, even from those closest to Him, but Jesus walked thru the swamp of doubt. Sadness or depression was trying to set-in against Jesus, but instead He focused on the coming opportunity for a miracle.
While the Book of John is recording the conversation about Lazarus' resurrection, Luke is capturing quite a different feeling that is overwhelming Jesus as He is coming into the city. For a vastly different example of a situation to cause weeping, Jesus does have first-hand experience with our world's hurt.
As we read and follow his movement into the city, Jesus is overcome with emotion knowing what is to befall the city of Jerusalem.
Most of the scholars and high priests at this time gave sermons of a conquering hero as the Savior, but Jesus had a system-changing way of allowing for us all to approach God. While Jesus is entering Jerusalem, those surrounding Him are celebrating His coming victory, but only Jesus knows the cost of where they are going. Through many of His discussions and teachings, Jesus mentored their hearts and minds toward compassion and empathy. Though knowing His sacrifice, Jesus' weeping did not hinder His progress towards the cross.
4But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:4-6 KJV
Early in the book of Mark, we are reading about Jesus in Nazareth not exactly being well received. For all of us that have been counted out, even by our hometown, Jesus can relate, too. While walking through Nazareth, Jesus has to place hands on those that He is healing, rather than encouraging their faith to complete the miracle. Those that needed it most were healed, but Jesus was amazed that their unbelief was so hard to compete against in a town where he grew up as a child.
Regardless of your situation, Jesus made it clear that God does not reject you. Though your problem is unique to you and hard to explain, God understands it. If fact, the largest challenges help us by pushing us to God. When it starts to become easy to see the problems that surround you, take each of them to God in prayer. Ask that you have the wisdom to understand how that challenge may be used as a testimony.
I encourage you to seek that guidance that can allow for growth. Not only for your own self, but for your relationship with God as well. Allow for Jesus to lead you to God.
My prayer that I hope to encourage you to join me with this week:
God, please encourage us to live a life that reflects our example of Jesus. Strengthen us to live a life that gives glory to You, inspiring others to seek You. Share with us Your wisdom that awaits our spirit within the pages of the Holy Bible. Encourage those that have You on their heart to consume Your food, Your word and Your living waters. In Jesus' name we pray, thru the light, the truth and the way. Amen.
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