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"Jesus wept." John 11:35    

First, I would like to thank each person who attended and participated in the Celebration of Life Gathering. In addition, I am so appreciative of each person who purchased my book during the book signing. As a pastor, teacher, and writer, I do not take for granted each opportunity that God allows me to speak to His children. On Wednesday of last week, my blog focused on John 11:35, which says, "Jesus wept." I shared with you how the topic of Jesus crying came up and landed upon me like a ton of bricks. I also mentioned in that same blog that I would share my perspective at Saturday's gathering. I want to share with my subscribers what I shared with those who attended Saturday's gathering. 

Why Did Jesus Weep?

I. Jesus is no Stranger to our Sorrow

First, I must share a word of comfort to those who have recently experienced death. We will get to the shouting part, but first, I must say to those who recently experienced death that Jesus wept because He is no stranger to our sorrow. 

My deceased wife (Brenda) died on August 8, 2016. The first month of her death, I slept on the couch in our living room and cried myself to sleep every night. BUT! Even then, I knew:

A. God was no stranger to my sorrow
B. He refuses to distance himself from my pain...  

II. Jesus' Tears were not Signs of Weakness but Evidence of Compassion & Strength

We experience tears of sorrow and tears of joy. Jesus' tears represented the challenges surrounding death and hope for a better tomorrow. Don't let anyone tell you how to grieve or for how long. Your grief is evidence of the love shared with another person. Like Jesus, your grief is evidence of compassion and strength.  

III. Jesus Knew Death wasn't the End of the Story

Why did Jesus weep when He was and still is the resurrection?
Why would Jesus weep when He knew all of God's children would be resurrected?
Why did Jesus bother showing up since Lazarus had been dead for four days by the time he arrived? 

Jesus showed up because He knew that His weeping also demonstrated His power over death and the grave... (Oh death, where is thou sting - Oh grave, where is the victory)  

Today, I didn't say tomorrow, nor did I say next week or next month. I said today, we can celebrate the death of our loved ones because of Jesus' resurrection. Remember, for there to be a resurrection, there must first be a death... 

No matter the reasons surrounding your loved one's death, we can celebrate because their death isn't the end of the story. Their death led to resurrection.

If you still find yourself crying throughout the night, remember, their death led to resurrection... (Our loved ones are now doing better than we are) 

If you are struggling with the death of a loved one this holiday season, I hope and pray the above words give you strength and comfort. Remember Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

2025 Copyright (c) Elton L. Young
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