JESUS IDENTIFIES WITH US.
John 11:35 "Jesus wept."
Although the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35 bears much significance.
To weep is to express grief or sorrow. Additionally, to weep is to show that you are experiencing emotional; physical or psychological pain as you encounter an unpleasant or distressing situation.
It was at the grave of Lazarus that Jesus expressed much grief. He visibly showed His concern and care for the grieving family of Lazarus. Verse 5 of John 11 points out that Jesus had loved Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Firstly, Jesus' weeping was indicative of the fact that although He is God, He is fully human. As such, Jesus understands the ache, distress and discomfort that we experience as a result of our humanness. He identifies with our pains; our hurt; our rejection; our depression and our confusion. He empathizes with us during our loss, whether it be in the area of broken relationships; material possessions or the death of a loved one. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that 'He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities'. Consequently, He adequately provides the solace; the relief and the comfort that are needed for each experience.
Secondly, Jesus wept because many of the mourners at Lazarus' graveside would soon be planning His (Jesus') death. Calvary was looming in the distance. Soon Jesus would die on the cruel cross for the sins of the entire world. The weight of sin was tremendous, but Jesus was willing to die that we might have eternal life. Sin grieves God, for it separates us from Him. Separation from God leads to eternal death. Romans 6:23 reminds that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Jesus' death is the gift of His unfailing love, concern and care for humanity. John 3:16 is indeed a powerful text that speaks expressly of God's love. His love for us, is incomprehensible.
Our response must be to believe in Him. Eternal life is the outcome of believing and accepting His sacrifical death on Calvary and living in accordance with God's will. May we demonstrate by our lifestyles, that we appreciate and accept Jesus' gift of eternal life and that we are indeed willing to unreservedly follow Him.