SHORT BUT THE SWEETEST

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NIV)

Often this verse is referred to as the shortest verse in the Bible. In some versions the shortest verse is Job 3:2. Regardless of length many people do not know the circumstances of “Jesus wept”.

Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha has died. They said to Jesus that if He had been there then their brother would not have died. Jesus had been many miles away when word came that Lazarus was sick and told His disciples that the sickness “is not unto death but for the glory of God”. That in itself is confusing but later in the chapter we read “Lazarus sleepeth” which adds to the confusion in our minds.

In verse 14 Jesus states, “Lazarus is dead”. No one told Him except the Holy Spirit. The death of Lazarus is explained in v. 15, “that you might believe” meaning that Lazarus’ death was for the purpose of revealing Jesus as the Son of God. Each of them knew that only God had the power to bring the dead to life. If Jesus could bring a dead man to life then He would have to be God in the flesh.

“Jesus wept” not because Lazarus died but because of the sorrow of Mary, Martha, friends and relatives. He shared “in” their sorrow.

It is a wonderful thing for a friend, just out of the blue, to put a hand on your shoulder and say, “I’m praying for you”. It is amazing that it happens when we are troubled and have told no one of our troubles. Just remember,  “God is at work in the lives of His children”.  He cares for us just as Jesus cared for Mary and Martha in their sorrows. He will never leave you and He shares in our sorrows and in our joys.