“Jesus wept.”– John 11:35 (KJV)
“Then Jesus wept.”– John 11:35 (NLT)
“Jesus wept. The Jews said, ‘Look how much he loved him!’– John 11:35 (MSG)
What Does John 11:35 Mean?
John 11:35, which simply states, “Jesus wept,” holds significant meaning, conveying deep emotions and the theme of empathy. This two-word verse is the shortest in the Bible, yet it manages to encapsulate profound truths about Jesus’s humanity and His ability to relate to our suffering. In this moment, Jesus finds himself grappling with the death of His friend Lazarus. It’s important to understand that His tears are not just for Lazarus but for all those who are mourning the loss. This shows us that God does not remain distant from our pain; instead, He draws near to us in our times of grief.
We often think about Jesus as a powerful figure who performed miracles, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. However, this verse highlights His emotional side, reminding us that He experienced the range of human emotions, including sadness and sorrow. We can read about His miracles and teachings, but in this verse, we get to feel His compassion.
John 11:35 Explanation and Commentary
When we read these two precious words, we realize the depth of love and connection Jesus had with people. It’s not just a reaction to grief; it’s a demonstration of His personal investment in relationships. The context reveals that Jesus arrived at Bethany and found that Lazarus had already been dead for four days. People surrounded Him, mourning. They expressed their sorrow and even questioned why Jesus had not come sooner to heal Lazarus.
While many in the crowd were weeping, Jesus looked around and saw their pain. His reaction, “Jesus wept,” reflects His deep love for Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and the community witnessing the heartbreak. This brief moment serves as a reminder for us. When we see our friends or family going through difficult times, it’s essential for us to empathize and share in their grief. Just as Jesus was there to connect with those who were hurting, we are called to do the same.
This brings to mind other biblical accounts where Jesus showed compassion. For example, in Matthew 9:36, it reads, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We often struggle to deal with our emotions or the emotions of others. Jesus models for us a way to handle grief and sorrow in our own lives.
Moreover, Jesus knew that He was about to perform a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead, yet He still allowed Himself to mourn. This demonstrates that faith does not remove our feelings. We are allowed to feel pain, sadness, and loss, regardless of our belief in the promise of life beyond this world. Jesus assures us that it is acceptable to grieve, thus giving us permission to feel our feelings and not to hide from them.
Context of John 11:35
To fully appreciate John 11:35, we must consider the context of the surrounding events. In John 11, we read the story of Lazarus. Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, had fallen ill, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, asking for His help. Nevertheless, Jesus did not immediately go to them. Instead, He stayed where He was for two more days before making His way to Bethany. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had already died.
The reaction of Mary and Martha showcased their sorrow and disappointment. When Martha met Jesus, she expressed her belief that if Jesus had been there earlier, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus responded by saying, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha, although feeling heartbroken, indicated her belief in the resurrection at the last day. Mary later approached Jesus, overwhelmed with sorrow. His response was to weep, illustrating His understanding of their grief. This reaction connects with us because we can relate to the frustration of unanswered prayers or hopes.
Throughout scripture, we find instances where God expresses His feelings of sadness and disappointment. In Genesis 6:6, we read how God felt regret over creating humanity. This shows us that God is not just distant and indifferent to our pain; He is actively involved in our emotions.
Thus, John 11:35 serves as a bridge between Christ’s divine authority and His human vulnerability. While we can cling to the promise of hope in resurrection, we must also acknowledge the reality of pain and loss. We can hold onto both emotions simultaneously, and this verse teaches us that God is there to walk through those moments with us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:35
As we delve deeper into John 11:35, there are essential components to break down that reveal its significance. The first is the subject, “Jesus.” This name brings to mind the image of someone who embodies love, compassion, and humility. It’s comforting to know that He was willing to show vulnerability.
The verb “wept” is profound in its simplicity. Why did Jesus weep? It wasn’t solely for Lazarus but for everyone in that moment. This echoes throughout the New Testament in stories where Jesus felt deep compassion for individuals—He wept for the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and felt anger toward those exploiting the weak. His weeping illustrates a connection to humanity, reminding us that we are never alone in our suffering. He empathizes with us and understands our heartaches.
It’s also worth noting how other translations interpret this verse. The New Living Translation, “Then Jesus wept,” presents it with immediacy, while the Message version elaborates on the situation, further illustrating the emotions involved. Collectively, these interpretations emphasize that Jesus is with us in our darkest times.
In this moment, Jesus displayed both His love for Lazarus and His understanding of the painful reality of loss. His actions challenge us to show compassion toward others who are grieving. It encourages us to be present during hardship rather than offering simplistic advice. We, too, can learn to weep with those who weep, as Paul states in Romans 12:15.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:35
John 11:35 isn’t just a verse; it serves as a powerful lesson for us in our daily lives. One significant takeaway is the importance of empathy. We live in a world where we often rush to offer solutions, thinking we must fix the problems of others. Instead, we should take a page from Jesus’s book and be present with those who are hurting, sharing their sorrow and allowing others to feel heard. It reminds us that human connection can be a healing experience.
This verse also encourages us to be open about our feelings. Emotions are not weaknesses; they are part of being human. Jesus allowed Himself to feel sadness, showing that it is okay for us to grieve when we face loss, disappointment, or heartache. We can reflect on our lives and ask ourselves if we are quick to put on a brave face or if we allow ourselves to feel deeply. Do we hide our tears, or do we openly share our struggles with trusted friends?
As we consider this, we can draw parallels to other passages in the Bible that encourage us to support one another. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to bear one another’s burdens. The pain felt by the people around us is real, and it matters. Our call as disciples of Christ is to walk alongside each other through grief and celebration.
Another lesson is the significance of timing. In this instance, Jesus appeared late according to human standards. He allowed situations to unfold that led to a miracle, teaching us about trusting God’s timing in our lives. Sometimes, we may feel that God is late or has forgotten us. John 11:35 reminds us that even in the midst of sorrow or distress, God is present, and His love remains constant. He is working in ways we cannot see, and His ultimate plan is for good.
Lastly, we can take strength in knowing that our tears do not go unnoticed. Psalm 56:8 tells us that God collects our tears in a bottle. Just as Jesus wept for His friends, we have a God who values our pain and heartbreak. He is moved by our suffering and walks beside us in all circumstances. Embracing this truth can change how we view our struggles—rather than feeling isolated, we can recognize God is intimately aware of what we face.
Final Thoughts
John 11:35, though brief, beautifully captures the emotional heart of Christ and illustrates how deeply He cares for humanity. It serves to remind us that we are allowed to feel and express our emotions, whether they are of joy, sorrow, or everything in between. We can learn much from the way Jesus related to those around Him and the model He set forth for us.
As we reflect on this passage, let us strive to be empathetic to those grieving around us. We can offer a listening ear, a caring heart, and perhaps even join them in their tears. By doing so, we echo the compassion of Christ, who allows us to comfort one another in our struggles. Let’s also remember that in each moment of grief, God is there, collecting our tears and reminding us of His plans, even when we cannot see the full picture.
We encourage you to continue exploring more of the Bible and its teachings. Each verse offers deep insights that can connect with our lives today. If you’re interested, check out more passages in John or explore stories from Numbers. There’s a treasure trove of lessons waiting for you!