Jesus wept (John 11:35, NIV).

It’s the shortest verse in the Bible, but its depth of meaning is significant. Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus is dead. Lazarus’ sisters are distraught. They’d seen the teacher heal so many. Why did this happen? Why couldn’t—or didn’t—Jesus heal Lazarus? Why didn’t He come sooner? Doesn’t He care? When Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha hears He’s coming and heads out to meet Jesus. She wants answers. When Jesus was visiting last time, Martha donned an apron and headed to the kitchen. Knowing her personality, Jesus provides an answer: “Your brother will rise again.”

With Martha, Jesus got down to the bottom line.

Mary, on the other hand, is the tenderhearted sister. She was the one found sitting at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:39. When Mary approaches, she asks the same question, but Jesus’ response isn’t the same. Seeing her weeping He’s deeply moved. He cries with her.

Two women, two personalities, yet a Lord who understands…who loves them just as they are.

Sometimes I’m like Martha. I want answers. I want an explanation for the hurt and pain. Through reading the Bible and praying, I find hope and comfort. Jesus never lays out the complete picture of how things will work, but He reminds me He’s got the situation under control.

Other times I’m more like Mary. I don’t need an answer; I simply need to feel Jesus’ love. Just like Jesus asked for Mary, Jesus tells me to come, and in my coming I don’t need to be ashamed of my tears. In fact, my heart finds a special peace knowing He’s weeping with me.

FAITH STEP: When is the last time you cried? Think back to that moment. Picture Jesus weeping with you. How does that change your view of that circumstance?


Written by Tricia Goyer