Day 21: Jesus Weeps for Lazarus
The Compassion and Power of Christ
Scripture Reading: John 11:1-44
"Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, 'See how much he loved him!'" (John 11:35-36, NLT)
Reflection: The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
The story of Lazarus’ resurrection is a profound testament to both the humanity and divinity of Jesus. When He arrives at Bethany, He finds His dear friend Lazarus has been dead for four days. Moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and the mourners, Jesus weeps—a powerful moment that shows His deep compassion and His ability to feel our pain.
Yet, this story does not end in grief. Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, displaying His divine authority over life and death. Through this miracle, Jesus not only comforts those mourning but also reveals Himself as the resurrection and the life. His weeping reminds us of His empathy, while His power to raise Lazarus assures us of His victory over death.
Personal Reflection:
When I reflect on this story, I’m struck by Jesus’ willingness to weep with those who mourn. It reminds me that He is not distant or detached but deeply present in our pain. There have been moments in my life when I’ve felt overwhelmed by loss, but knowing that Jesus weeps with me has brought comfort. His power to bring hope and restoration gives me the courage to trust Him, even in difficult times.
Application: Trusting Jesus in Our Pain
The story of Lazarus encourages us to trust Jesus both in our sorrow and in His ability to bring life from even the darkest circumstances. Here’s how we can apply this lesson:
Bring Your Grief to Jesus: Just as Mary and Martha expressed their pain to Jesus, we can bring our struggles and sorrow to Him. He understands and shares in our suffering.
Trust His Timing: Jesus waited before going to Bethany, and His timing was perfect for revealing God’s glory. Trust that His timing is always for your good, even when it’s hard to understand.
Believe in His Power: Jesus raised Lazarus to life, demonstrating His authority over death. Trust in His power to bring restoration and hope to any situation.
Share His Compassion: Jesus’ tears remind us of the importance of showing empathy and love to those who are hurting. Look for ways to comfort others as Jesus did.
Action Step:
Take time to pray for someone you know who is grieving or struggling. Reach out to them with a kind word, a listening ear, or an act of service to remind them of God’s love and presence.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being both compassionate and powerful. Help me to trust You in my sorrow and to believe in Your ability to bring life and hope. Teach me to share Your love and comfort with those who are grieving. May my life reflect the hope and peace that come from knowing You. Amen.
Thanks 4 devotionals. Nancy