Man of Sorrow

John 11:35

Jesus wept.

This is not the basis for a grand theological truth, or a promise of God's blessing. It's not a precept to follow or a spiritual law. It's not a hymn of worship or a word of prophecy.

Two succinct simple words.

Powerful words. Words that to be truthful give a beautiful picture into the heart of the Son of God, the son of man.

Matthew Henry wrote:

'Being found in fashion as a man, he acts in the way and manner of the sons of men. It was shown by his tears.... We have not a high priest who cannot be touched by a feeling of our infirmities'

If Jesus was so moved by compassion to tears, even knowing that their sorrow would soon be turned to joy, how much more should we follow his example?

A couple verses prior, John writes in verse 33

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled..

Groaned.

The son of God was troubled.

I think some of this gets lost in translation. The word groaned doesn't mean 'sighed' or 'grieved', but rather that he 'powerfully checked his emotion. And he was troubled - which means 'a visible anguish'

Jesus felt so strongly that he was unable to contain his emotion.

John uses the same words again in verse 38 'Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave....'

I think that the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John in recording Christ's actions and emotions leading up to Lazarus's resurrection is painting a vivid picture of God's heart. How it breaks for us, for the curse of separation.

And God's longing for restoration to right relationship with Him.

The story of Lazarus is a reflection of the gospel itself, the clarion call of God's voice calling forth the lost from a life separated from him, from peace, from joy...and that is the real sorrow.

God's word in it's entirety was given to show us his character, and reveal who he truly is.

Smallest verse in Bible, yet one of the most powerful.