“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep.”

John 11: 33-35

Last Sunday, our family had a Zoom meeting! This is a meeting where you can all see each other and talk together on your individual devices. Four of us noticed that Andrew was quieter than usual. When his sister asked him what was going on, I saw his “tell”. When he is feeling strong emotions, his chin tightens and even quivers a bit. Due to his inherited German stoicism, it is hard for him to cry or talk about what is bothering him.

 In John 11:35 we are told; “Jesus began to weep.” In the King James Version, verse 35 translates, “Jesus wept.” It is the shortest verse in the Bible in both King James English and in the original language. It is ironic in some ways, that the shortest verse in the Bible is one of the most powerful. Jesus wept. He wept for the loss of his friend Lazarus. He wept with compassion for all of those around him who were grieving. He wept in anticipation of his own suffering and death.

Jesus is weeping with us today. He is weeping with us over lost people, lost jobs, and lost opportunities. He is weeping with every nurse, doctor and other medical personnel that has to walk into a hospital afraid for their lives. Jesus is weeping with every grocery store clerk that risks their lives so we can still buy food and other necessities. Jesus weeps with every first responder, every hurting child, and every lonely person. Jesus weeps for us and for our world. 

Jesus has not abandoned us or forsaken us. Jesus reminds us there is no shame in weeping. In fact, it is good to cry. The tears coursing down our face can be a baptism of sorts. And, we do not weep alone. We are not alone in our grief. We are not alone in this fight. As Jesus walked to the cross, steadily and without faltering, so Jesus walks with us in our grief. Now. Today. Always.