Jesus Wept

John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept."  It is part of the story of Lazarus.  Lazarus is sick and by the time Jesus gets there Lazarus is dead.  People are upset, Jesus talks with Mary and Martha (sisters of Lazarus) and Jesus weeps.

I have always found this verse intriguing. For starters, if you have need to memorize a Bible verse, let's face it, this one is pretty easy.  But more importantly, why was Jesus weeping?  Think about it. Jesus knows that Lazarus is going to be raised from the dead.  He knows that there is about to be a celebration.

He could have said, "If you liked the loaves and fishes, If you liked the water into wine, then hold on to your hats folks.  This one is a doozy."  But he didn't say that.  Jesus wept.

I think that the answer is compassion.  Even though he knew that things were going to work out in the end, he felt compassion for those who were grieving now..He suffered along side them, and prepared them as He did.  

Watch this clip from Pastor Sparks.

There is no greater friend than one who walks beside you in the dark times.  Someone who says, "Don't worry, no matter what comes, I will be in this with you."  I think that is what Jesus is doing in this verse.  He empathized with Mary and Martha and he empathizes with us today.  When we go through trials, Jesus still weeps for us.