Do you feel alone when you weep, as if no one understands the depth of your grief? What if I told you someone does? Would you believe me?
As I knelt by the graveside of yet another person I loved gone in 2017 the tears welled up. Teardrops fell one by one on to the grass where I knelt to pray. As I looked up at the beauty surrounding me, a familiar verse came to mind, one which had brought me much comfort in times of pain. Jesus wept. John 11:35
It is one of the shortest verses in the Bible yet so profound and comforting. A scripture which speaks volumes of Jesus's love for every one of us. Share on X
However, it didn’t always bring me comfort. At first, I was confused by the actions of Jesus. It left me with many unanswered questions.
As we pick up the story in John 11:17 – Jesus has arrived to find his dear friend has passed away. Martha (Lazarus sister) greets him and informs him Lazarus has been dead in the tomb for four days.
Jesus doesn’t skip a beat in letting her know, “your brother will arise again.” Martha seems to understand and finds comfort in knowing her brother will arise but believes Jesus is talking about the day of resurrection.
However, Jesus has something else in mind.
When Mary arrives, she states the obvious, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She then began weeping.
Now, this is the part at first which seems strange to me. Jesus wept. It made no sense because he knew Lazurus would not remain dead.
So why weep? It just didn’t make ………….
To find out why Jesus wept and read my entire post click here. I am honored to be writing over at “Devotable” today. Devotableapp.com is a beautiful place where believers are encouraged, the lost can be reached, and God’s word is spoken.
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Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee
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Love your words Maree. Such an important subject. Pinning this to my grief board. 💕
Rachel, Thank you! If you leave me a link to your board, I would love to visit it. Maree
I’m so thankful God understands the depth of my grief. Thank you for sharing.
Barbie, Me too! Maree
Thank you for sharing. I think sometimes we forget just how much Christ identified with us as he walked among us in our form. It’s always a battle, at least for me, to remind myself that his promises are not just for the next life but that some are meant for this life as well. Have a blessed week. Visiting from Purposeful Faith!
Deanna – What a great comment. I love what you said, “his promises are not just for the next life but that some are meant for this life as well.” I too forget that, and it is so important to remember. Thank you. Blessings, Maree
2017 was a year of one loss after another. Thank you for this reminder of a weeping Savior who is also acquainted with grief.
Michele, I am sorry you 2017 was a year of losses. It was for us too. Hoping 2018 is better for you. I love the thought of Jesus weeping with us. I feel so close to him. I am glad you liked the reminder. Blessings, Maree
Hopping over to read the rest, Maree Dee! You’ve captured my interest already!
Thank you for letting me know I captured your interest. I a so glad you stopped by. Maree
Today is the birthday & anniversary of my son’s birth & death as he was born sleeping (stillborn).
He would have been 35 years old today. My tears no longer fall & haven’t for a very long time now but the memory is there…pondering & reflection.
He was my only son, but I am assured where he is…in the absolute peace & serenity of Heaven.
Losing my son Benjamin & his sister Candy, just under a year apart was instrumental in Gods direction to become a Professional Clinical Counselor with a special interest in Loss & Grief.
Grief & weeping are a normal part of living on planet earth…Jesus showed us that…praise Him!
It’s when grief becomes prolonged & complicated, is when professional help is needed.
You are most welcome Maree to join me in a time of reflection at teawithjennifer.blog
I have just found the wonderful world of Christian women link ups as a new blogger.
Jennifer
Jennifer,
First off I am so sorry for your losses and so darn proud of you for taking those losses and turning them into glorifying God. You are amazing! I bet you help a ton of people work through their grief since you understand it first hand.
Thank you for taking time to write a comment especially on this day the anniversary of your son’s birth and death. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Yes, I too believe we know precisely where Benjamin and Candy are and realize they are at peace.
Thank you for the invite to join you.
So true weeping and loss is “normal” part of living on this planet. We all will have losses this side of heaven. Some will be due to a death, and some will be other things.
Blessings,
Maree
Thank you for your kind words & prayers Maree, I appreciate them.
Jennifer
The record of Jesus visit to Bethany after the death of Lazarus and the short verse in John 11 gave me great comfort after my son passed away. I know that Jesus understands our pain and grief.
Carol – I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I have not experienced that type of loss, and I can only imagine the suffering it brings. Just the imagining makes me weep. I am so glad that short verse brought you comfort too. I know it has in my losses. Thank you for joining in on the conversation today. Blessings to you, Maree