"Jesus wept."

John 11:35: "Jesus wept."

In the vastness of Scripture, we find a profound depth in the simplest of words. John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, reads simply: "Jesus wept." At just two words, it may seem insignificant at first glance, but its emotional weight resonates deeply with our human experience.

This moment occurs as Jesus approaches the tomb of His dear friend Lazarus. Witnessing the sorrow of those around Him, the tears of Mary and Martha, and feeling the collective pain of loss, Jesus Himself is moved to weep. This reveals a beautiful truth: Jesus understands our pain. He doesn’t stand at a distance, detached from our struggles; instead, He enters into our grief, sharing in our heartache.

Consider the enormity of what this means. Jesus left His throne in heaven, a place of perfect joy and peace, to come to a world filled with sorrow and suffering. He came not only to save us but to experience life as we do, to feel the weight of our burdens, and to comfort us in our darkest moments. He knows what it feels like to grieve, to lose, and to hurt. His tears remind us that our struggles are seen and acknowledged by the One who matters most.

In our lives, we often face trials that can feel overwhelming. It's easy to feel isolated in our pain, but Jesus invites us to bring our grief to Him. He understands our fears, doubts, and heartaches, and He walks beside us through every valley. His empathy is a source of strength and refuge during difficult times.

Moreover, Jesus' tears at Lazarus's tomb also point us toward hope. While He wept, He ultimately raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His power over death and foreshadowing the ultimate victory He would secure for us. In our own lives, when we experience loss and heartache, we can cling to the promise that Jesus not only understands our suffering but also has the power to bring healing and restoration.

As we reflect on the simple yet profound truth of John 11:35, let us remember that it’s okay to grieve and to feel pain. We have a Savior who weeps with us and understands every tear we shed. In moments of sorrow, let us hold on to the hope He provides, a hope for a future free from pain, where every tear will be wiped away.

Jesus wept. But He also loves, comforts, and offers us the promise of a better tomorrow. Amen.