Jesus wept. Why? Why did Jesus weep when he already knew what he was going to do?

He would raise Lazarus from the dead, and everyone would eventually be amazed and happy.

So why did he weep? Instead, he could have said,

“Don’t worry, people. He is only sleeping. He is not dead. I will call his name now. That will be your future! So believe in me!”

But he didn’t say that.

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Jesus wept because of the pain that sin has brought.

Jesus saw death as an unnatural thing. Death is what sin has brought into the world.

Jesus felt deep compassion for those who were suffering under the influence of sin. That’s why Jesus wept.

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Jesus wept over the unnatural consequences that we face.

But, don’t worry. We have Jesus who knows us very well, our emotions as well. He is with us.

Jesus always has a plan—a plan for these beloved people: Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.

And also for those who were gathered there. And also for us who are here to listen to this story.

Come out! Lazarus!!! 

우리가 갖고 있는 모든 안 좋은 감정들, 아픔들, 괴로움들! 
나사로를 묶고 있었던 죽음의 붕대와 함께 나가! 나가! 나가! 

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for this season, and we thank you for today’s lesson.

Jesus, you are the one who has authority over our life and death.

You see the sadness that we face as sinful humans, but you also give us a living hope, an eternal hope.

We are grateful that you are a God who truly cares. You care about our tears and our pain.

Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how God cares for us. Just as you have shown us, help us to be like you.

Help us to care for our friends who are sad and hurting.

Let us be a little like Jesus to the people around us.

So through us, let them see you and let them see God the Father.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.