John has taken great care to depict the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Not only does this scene prefigure Jesus' death and resurrection and reveal a deep theological significance, it also portrays Jesus' character and reveals the heart of Jesus.

The Gospel of John chapter 11, verses 1 to 45 detail the dire situation of Lazarus, the dying brother of Martha and Mary. Jesus had not revived Lazarus in time. Lazarus had died before Jesus' arrival. It is described that Jesus only left for Bethany two days later to "awaken him" (Jn 11:11). Upon His arrival at Bethany, Jesus, greeted by the Jews who were weeping and grieving with Martha and Mary, was "greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved" and began to weep (Jn 11:33,35).

Indeed, Jesus knew that Lazarus would be resurrected; grief would pass and be transformed into joy. Why did Jesus mourn and weep for His friend’s death? This reveals Jesus' humanity; He is truly human with full human emotions. Jesus does not place Himself above human sufferings. Indeed, He, too, experiences and understands our challenges and pain.

The face of God, so full of compassion, and His heart, pained by human sufferings, are revealed in this scene of Jesus weeping for Lazarus' death.

Therefore, Jesus did not only weep for Lazarus, but also for all of humanity beloved by God.  He is weeping for you and me.  Humanity suffers in the hands of the devil due to sins; hearts and minds bound; life grinded down by illnesses and physical hardships; enslaved by death.  As our Heavenly Father is deeply pained by all these, Jesus is also grieved and angered. 

Indeed, the complicated emotions felt by Jesus can never be thoroughly portrayed nor fully comprehended by us. 

However, we can be assured that Jesus cares deeply for Lazarus, as well as the Jews, and all of humanity since the creation of the world. He cares deeply for me and for you!

Reflection

Lazarus did not know how Jesus had wept for him. We, too, do not know how much tears Jesus has shed for us.  At this moment, settle in and sit with Jesus. Notice how Jesus' gaze on you is full of compassion.

Imagine: What areas in your life are embraced and worried about by Jesus?  Do you want to know? Will you ask Jesus?

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for revealing your heart to us through the story of raising Lazarus.  I know that I’m self-centered and have failed to pay attention to your emotions and needs, especially the areas of my life where your embrace and concerns are present.  Thank you for revealing your emotions to us even though You are the Son of God!  Let me not hide my face from your love!  Remind me that You also need my love and understanding.  I know that I’m in your embrace, and starting today, help me to return this embrace!  For this I pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Jesus is the image of the invisible God.  The face of God, so full of compassion, and His heart, pained by human sufferings, are revealed in this scene of Jesus weeping for Lazarus' death.