By Tracy Villatoro
Worship Leader, Victory Church Odessa
Jesus Wept (John 11:35)
Everyone pretty much knows this verse. Here, Jesus, the God-in-the-flesh, wept in front of Lazarus’ tomb.
Jesus was NOT weeping because of despair over the death of His friend, Lazarus. He KNEW that He would raise Lazarus from the dead. So why then was Jesus weeping?
Jesus was not crying because He was weak. One reason He cried is because He SAW the grief of those around Him. In verse 32 it says that Mary bowed at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
In verse 33 it says, “When Jesus saw Mary crying, AND the people with her crying, too, He was very upset and deeply troubled.” He had so much compassion for not only Mary, but also for the people. Even though He knew that He was about to bring Lazarus back from the dead, Jesus was affected by the sorrow that everyone was experiencing.
Just as in this passage, our Heavenly Father cares very much for us, and has so much compassion for us.
Are you moved when others experience deep grief? Does it move you at all? Do you show compassion toward people even if it does not directly affect your life? Are you compassionate toward those whose lives are shattered by sorrow?
Sometimes people complain about God, not knowing that He has a plan. Because they only think of themselves, they are upset, they are frustrated, and they cannot see the big picture like the Lord God can.
Show compassion by going to the hospital when people are sick. Bring food to people at home when they don’t have any. Write a nice card to someone and bring it in person to the needy one to show your love for them, or mail it if you can’t visit them for any reason.
Let’s show compassion toward others.
