Christ's Solidarity in Extreme Grief

It can't be overstated.

One of the difficulties when reading the gospels is having the imagination to allow for enough time and space between details as it would be in an actual situation. John actually gives us more time than any other biblical writer in his long, narrative episodes. And even still, even in this lengthy account of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, it would still be good for us to pause for a moment.

Especially with this passage.

Yes, Jesus will come through here in a moment with goodness and new life. But hold on for a moment.

In a moment of extreme grief and loss, Jesus remains present to suffering. Indeed, it can and should be said that Jesus doesn’t come to resurrection without first journeying the suffering and pain. Both here in Bethany and again on Golgotha.

Much has been made of the verse, Jesus wept, often for all the wrong trivial reasons. Shortest-verse-in-the-Bible begone.

This is the solidarity of God with us.

When we feel like we’ve lost something huge - the death of a loved one, the end of a tradition or institution near and dear, the extreme disappointment of unmet expectations and hopes…

…Jesus weeps with us.

It’s ever-notable that his weeping was not at the death. Jesus does indeed have greater vision than that, and we should take note.

But John says here that Jesus wept when he saw everyone crying. Jesus already knew Lazarus was dead. He said as much earlier. Why didn’t he weep then?

Because his grief came when he experienced our grief.

My brothers and sisters, receive Jesus’ solidarity in these days.

John 11:33-37

When Jesus saw her crying and the Jews who had come with her crying also, he was deeply disturbed and troubled. He asked, “Where have you laid him?”

They replied, “Lord, come and see.”

Jesus began to cry. The Jews said, “See how much he loved him!” But some of them said, “He healed the eyes of the man born blind. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

Prayer

God,

It really is hard to believe. There have been and will be bigger losses in the world. More notable, noteworthy, or globally-impactful. But not in my world. And in the world of so many I love. At least, that’s how it feels at the moment.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for what has been. The experiences of the past still count. How can I not be so thankful? But the present loss - even when considering the amount of time we’ve had to brace for it - still hurts.

I blame no one, though I have my opinions. Great things have fallen before.

And I’m totally mindful how what is a great loss for many is healing for some. But in time, Lord, my prayer to you is that it is eventually healing for all.

Ever and always by your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.