Jesus' Tears Part 1

By Mary Vee
John 11:1-4

A tomb in Jerusalem
Photo by Mary Vee

There was a man named Lazarus from the town of Bethany, the same village where his sisters, Mary and Martha lived. At this time, Lazarus was very sick. 

There were many women name Mary in those days. This Mary had poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair some time ago. 

The doctors tried to help Lazarus, but he continued to get worse. The sisters sent a message to Jesus saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

The messenger rushed to where Jesus stayed and told him the news. His disciples who remained with him heard what had happened as well. Jesus said to them, "This sickness will not end in death. It has happened so God would be glorified and so God's Son may be glorified through it."

The disciples knew Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They were surprised that He didn't leave immediately. But Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. On the next morning, Jesus told his disciples, "Let's go back to Judea."

"But Rabbi," said one disciple, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you there. Are you sure you want to go back?"

Jesus said, "Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble since he sees by this world's light. When he walks at night, though he will struggle to not fall without the light. Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. I'm going there to wake him."

His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."

The disciples didn't realize at the time that Jesus meant Lazarus had died. They thought Mary's brother slept and would wake after feeling better.

"You are mistaken," Jesus said. "Lazarus is dead and for our sake I am glad I was not there. This way you will believe. Now, let's go to him."

When Jesus and the disciples arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Many of Mary and Martha's friends had already come to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 

On this fourth day after her brother died, Martha heard Jesus was near. She rushed out to greet him, leaving Mary at home. "Lord," she said, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."

"I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes, Lord," she aid. "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." Martha then returned to her home and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here and is asking for you."


There is more to this story!

Come back to read the next part.

*Note from Mary Vee: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.