Finding Peace and Hope in Jesus’ Humanity
Today’s Verse:
John 11:35 ESV
Jesus wept.
Yesterday during our Midweek Lenten church service and Bible class, I mentioned that I liked to use the shortest verse in the Bible during Lent. It is from John 11:35, and it is two simple words: “Jesus wept.” We encounter this profoundly human moment in the Gospel of John, a narrative filled with miracles and pronouncements of divinity. Jesus, standing before the tomb of his friend Lazarus, weeps.
Lent is a season of reflection, a time to confront our own mortality and the world's brokenness. In these two words, we see Jesus entering fully into that brokenness. He doesn't merely observe suffering; he feels it deeply. His tears are not a sign of weakness but a testament to his profound love and empathy.
Why did Jesus weep? Perhaps for the pain of Mary and Martha, grieving the loss of their brother. Perhaps for the sting of death itself, the ultimate consequence of sin. Perhaps for our own hearts, bound by sorrow and fear.
In his tears, we find comfort. Jesus, the Son of God, understands our pain. He knows the weight of grief, the ache of loss, and the despair that can threaten to overwhelm us. He doesn't stand at a distance, offering platitudes. He weeps with us.
This Lent, let us remember that Jesus' tears remind us of his solidarity with our suffering. They are a promise that we are not alone in our pain. As we journey towards the cross, we can find solace in the knowledge that our Savior, who wept for Lazarus, also weeps for us.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, Your tears remind us of Your deep compassion and love. We thank You for entering into our pain and walking through our grief. Please help us find comfort in Your presence and trust in Your promise of the resurrection. As we journey through Lent, may we draw closer to You, finding strength and hope in Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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