I was reading John 11 recently and stumbled upon verse 33, where Jesus is deeply troubled by Mary and the others grieving over Lazarus’s death. This struck a chord with me, especially after a Facebook post on the topic garnered a lot of feedback. It’s a subject we rarely discuss, and I felt compelled to clear the air.
In case you haven’t read the story of Lazarus, I highly recommend you do. Essentially, Lazarus, one of Jesus’s friends, was dying, and Jesus didn’t come right away to heal him. Lazarus ended up dying, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were grieving.
Jesus arrived days after Lazarus’s passing, and seeing Mary and the others grieve deeply troubled Him. This wasn’t just a passing sadness; it moved Him to tears. This brings me to a powerful realization: Jesus grieves with us.
Relating to Grief Through Empathy
Let me pivot for a moment and share something personal. Watching movies with me is an experience, to say the least, because I get very attached to characters. Take the Disney movie “Elemental”—which I believe is highly underrated. I’ve watched it countless times, and every time Wade seemingly dies, I bawl my eyes out. My son can’t understand why, knowing Wade will be okay. But it’s not Wade’s fate that makes me cry; it’s the emotions of those around him—Ember’s regret, her father’s realization, and the complex feelings of every character. I empathize deeply with each of their emotions.
This is a blessing and a curse. I can step into what others are feeling, which can be overwhelming. Imagine watching a movie with me—it’s a deep dive into every character’s thoughts and traumas. It’s exhausting but enlightening.
Jesus’s Empathy in Our Grief
Bringing it back to Jesus and Lazarus—this blew my mind. Jesus knew Lazarus would be resurrected, yet He was still deeply troubled and wept. He felt the pain of Mary and Martha. This wasn’t a detached sorrow; it was profound empathy. Jesus grieved not just for Lazarus but for the pain His friends were enduring.
This realization is crucial. Jesus sits in our grief with us. He doesn’t watch from a distance, waiting for us to get over it. He feels our pain intimately. I needed this reminder, especially now, as I navigate through intense therapy (EMDR) to process my own traumas. It’s been tough, but knowing Jesus is there, grieving with me, brings immense comfort.
Personal Struggles and Divine Presence
Life is hard. I’m in therapy, working through PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. Sharing this isn’t for pity but to let you know you’re not alone. I’ve been in dark places, planning not to see my 19th or 21st birthdays, convinced my son would be better off without me. But in those moments, Jesus was right there, grieving with me.
God isn’t an angry deity thriving on our pain. He desires a real relationship with us. Jesus’s life and sacrifice were to show us that He understands our humanity. He grieves with us and sits in our darkest moments. Whether you’re dealing with financial worries, family struggles, or church hurt, Jesus is there. He knows exactly how you feel, even if I can’t.
Embracing Jesus in Our Grief
To all the strong ones who hide their weakness, know that God is the one person you don’t need to be strong for. He’s big enough to handle your anger, doubts, and fears. Take all of that to Him. Bottling it up doesn’t lead to freedom.
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this opportunity to share Your comforting presence with those who read this. I’m grateful for the deep empathy You showed during Your time on Earth, especially in moments like Lazarus’s death. You understand our grief because You experienced it firsthand.
I lift up anyone reading this who feels alone, burdened, or overwhelmed by their circumstances. May they feel Your presence, Lord, as a comforting embrace in their darkest moments. Help them to know that You are with them, grieving alongside them, and that they are never alone.
For those struggling with doubts, anger, or pain, I pray for Your peace to fill their hearts. Give them the courage to open up to You, knowing that You understand and love them deeply.
Thank you, Lord, for being our constant companion in every season of life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
God doesn’t rush your grief. He sits with you in it.
My Free Prayer Journal gives you a gentle place to pour out your heart, reflect on Scripture, and grieve with the One who understands.
Download it here and let Him meet you in the ache.
