Jesus Wept

JESUS WEPT

Introduction

Jesus wept. - John 11:35

This verse, consisting of just two words in English (and three in Greek), is the shortest verse in the entire Bible. Despite its brevity, it carries profound theological and emotional significance.

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in the story of Lazarus's death and resurrection in John 11. Jesus had received news that his friend Lazarus was ill, but deliberately delayed his journey to Bethany. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. The verse comes just after Jesus sees Mary and the Jews weeping for Lazarus.

The Humanity of Jesus

"Jesus wept" powerfully demonstrates the full humanity of Jesus Christ. Despite being fully divine, Jesus experiences and expresses human emotions. This aligns with the theological concept of the hypostatic union - that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. - Hebrews 4:15

The Compassion of Jesus

Jesus's weeping shows his deep compassion and empathy. Even though He knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, He still shared in the grief of Mary, Martha, and the other mourners.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. - Romans 12:15

The Love of Jesus

This verse demonstrates Jesus's love for His friends. Earlier in the chapter, we read:

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. - John 11:5

Jesus's tears are a visible expression of this love, showing that divine love includes deep emotional attachment.

The Sorrow Over Death

Jesus's weeping may also represent His sorrow over the reality of death in a fallen world. Even though He was about to demonstrate His power over death, He still grieved its existence and impact.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. - 1 Corinthians 15:26

The Interpretations of Onlookers

The next verse provides the interpretation of those who witnessed Jesus weeping:

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! - John 11:36

This shows how Jesus's display of emotion testified to His love, even to those who may have doubted Him.

Theological Implications

This verse has significant implications for our understanding of God. It shows that God is not distant or unfeeling, but deeply involved and emotionally invested in human affairs. It challenges notions of divine impassibility (the idea that God does not experience emotions) that were common in Greek philosophy.

Pastoral Implications

"Jesus wept" provides comfort to those who are grieving, showing that sorrow and tears are not signs of weak faith. It encourages believers to be honest with their emotions and to empathize with others in their pain.

Literary Significance

Despite its brevity, or perhaps because of it, this verse has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture. Its conciseness and depth have made it one of the most widely recognized verses in the Bible.

Conclusion

"Jesus wept" may be the shortest verse in the Bible, but it carries immense theological, emotional, and pastoral significance. It reveals the humanity of Jesus, His love and compassion, His sorrow over the effects of sin in the world, and provides a model for empathy and emotional honesty. This tiny verse gives us a profound glimpse into the heart of God incarnate.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.