SCRIPTURE: John 11: 28-37

28: And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29: As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30: Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
31: The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there…
38: Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: JESUS UNDERSTANDS OUR PAIN, LOSS AND SORROW

The passage presents a deeply human moment in Jesus’ ministry. Martha confessed her faith in Him, Mary came to Him in tears, and Jesus Himself wept. Though Jesus knew what He was about to do, He was not indifferent to the pain and sorrow around Him.

Mary fell at Jesus’ feet and expressed the same disappointment as Martha: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (v. 32). Her words came from a heart broken by grief. When Jesus saw Mary and the people weeping, “he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled” (v. 33). Then came the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept” (v. 35).
Jesus’ tears show us that He cares about human suffering. He is not distant from our pain. He understands the sorrow that comes with loss, disappointment and difficult circumstances.

His tears also teach us that weeping is not a sign of weak faith. A believer can trust God and still cry. We can have hope in Christ while honestly expressing our pain before Him.
The people said, “Behold how he loved him!” (v. 36). The compassion of Jesus was visible. His love moved Him to identify with those who were hurting. Jesus wept because He cared. His tears remind us that we never face our pain alone. The Christ who understands our tears also has power over every situation. Therefore, let us bring our sorrow to Him and continue to trust His love.

ASSIGNMENT
Spend a few moments in prayer, honestly expressing your feelings before God.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me grace to bring my tears and burdens to You.