Through the Bible: JohnSample

Shared Tears

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!

John 11:33-36 (ESV)

Recently, a friend and a close relative passed away, which brought great sorrow. I was reminded of a story about a little boy and his neighbour, an elderly man who recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the elderly man cry, the little boy climbed onto his lap and simply sat there. Later, his mother asked the little boy what he had said to their saddened neighbour. “Nothing,” the child replied. “I just helped him cry.” Being with the person, holding their hand, and “crying with them” can be the best thing we can do for those facing sadness and sorrow.

In the scripture above, Jesus showed us that it’s important to share another’s tears. When Jesus saw the weeping after Lazarus’ death, Jesus shared their grief by weeping too. Jesus showed that He cares enough for us to weep with us in our sorrow. Romans 12:15 says that we can help others by “weeping with those who weep.” We just need to listen and help them through their hurt. Is there anyone who needs your tears today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for taking care of every person who cries and wiping the tears from our weeping eyes. We trust and believe in the hope of heaven, where there is no death, no pain, and every tear will be wiped away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.