An Empathetic Jesus.
Background Reading: John 11.
Scripture Focus: “Jesus understands every weakness of ours because He was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!” Hebrews 4: 15 CEV.
What if the very challenges that weigh us down and crush us become the catalysts for us to do something extraordinary for God's glory?
Earlier this week, I shared how God utilized Caiaphas to unwittingly set in motion the plot to end Jesus's life, ultimately fulfilling prophecy with Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins. As we close this week, let's reflect on the event that incited His anger.
It was the death of Lazarus in John 11.
Friend of the family.
We know that Jesus was a close friend of Lazarus.
He had also come to know Lazarus' sister Mary, who poured perfume on His feet and wiped them with her hair. He was also a friend of Martha, the busy sister who needed a gentle reminder that it is more important to sit at the feet of Jesus than to be overly occupied with serving Him.
Jesus’ familiarity with this family made this miracle incredibly personal for Him. So, we can appreciate the depths of His empathy when He learned of Lazarus' illness.
Interestingly, despite His deep empathy, Jesus did not rush to heal His friend.
“So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” John 11: 6.
Despite being just two miles away from Lazarus, He intentionally delayed His arrival, allowing four days to pass.
‘Four days.’
Four days made it clear that Lazarus was deceased.
Four days allowed a crowd from every stratum of society to gather.
Four days was enough time to show God’s glory and convict even the hardest of hearts.
When Jesus finally reached the family, He called Lazarus forth from the tomb, bringing His friend back to life.
“Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11: 43 - 44.
Raising Lazarus silenced some of the critics. Jesus’ divinity was on full display. All who were present saw firsthand that He restores and revives the seemingly irreparable.
Raising Lazarus incited the religious leaders and set-in motion the sequence of events that ultimately led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
Raising Lazarus also showed the depths of His humanity.
The Jesus who weeps.
Scripture tells us that when Jesus saw the cloud of grief and anguish that enveloped His friends and those who knew Lazarus, He wept.
On the surface, Jesus’ tears stemmed from His empathetic nature.
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.” John 11: 33 - 35.
Jesus did not weep because He believed Lazarus would never return. He knew that He was going to awaken Lazarus.
“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11: 23.
Jesus also wept because He knew that this miracle would be the beginning of His end.
Fuel to complete the mission.
I believe that the deep anguish Jesus experienced in the scenes of Lazarus' death fueled His determination to conquer death through His sacrifice ultimately.
Despite the incredible difficulty, it provided Him with renewed resolve to save us, ensuring that we need not be eternally subjected to death and the grave.
The crushing sadness Jesus experienced propelled Him to move closer to fulfilling prophecy.
Consider this reflection:
Just as the very miracle that deeply affected Jesus ultimately brought Him closer to fulfilling His mission, so too do the very things that touch our hearts deeply bring us closer to God’s special purpose for our lives.
Reflection Time
When we are moving through crushing experiences, we do not automatically think, 'How can God use this for His glory.' This revelation often comes gently and gradually.
Think about a difficulty you experienced and consider how God gently planted a desire in your heart to restore and support others who have gone through a similar experience as you did.
Sometimes, we miss the opportunity to do something amazing for God when we come out of tough times.
How can we ensure that reflecting on our past propels us into positive action, steering clear of the pitfall of turning it into an idol or a trauma hold?
Dealing with intense emotional experiences adds nuance to our faith.
How can you cultivate the practice of extending grace to yourself when you're going through tough emotional experiences, ensuring you don't misjudge your faith or God?
-Dentrecia