John 11:34-37 (WEL) He said, “Where did you lay him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “Look, how much he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Couldn’t this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept this man from dying?”
V34 He said, “Where did you lay him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
Perhaps, our Lord Jesus wanted to mourn and grieve at the correct grave. He was controlling His composure.
Principle: God did not want death (separation). Death is a punishment. Death does not mean annihilation or a life-less walking corpse. Death is separation from God’s fellowship, life, blessings, truth, spiritual understanding, etc.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Death is the consequence for sin. It is earned. I sin, I receive a paycheck—death.
Salvation, eternal life is a gift. When anyone believes in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, they are saved. It is not a work (Romans 4:1-5); it is not earned. It is received. My dad would tell me, “Lenny, I have a gift for you.” I would reach out, take it, and thank him. I did not earn it. I did not deserve it. It was offered, and I took it.
V35 Jesus wept.
Principle: While many men and women think a person is weak if they cry, that is a lie. Crying in sorrow has many physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Physically—most times it relieves stress and tension. It can slow our heart rate and respiratory rate. Often, the tension we feel in our head, neck, and shoulders releases with crying.
Emotionally—suppressing crying builds tension from the mental effort to not cry. Crying releases that effort, bringing a more relaxed state of mind. It helps accept the reality of something sad. It also shows the love we had for someone. It shows emotional honesty.
Spiritually—a greater reliance on God for comfort. It also helps to be honest about the need to have God near us and be comforted by Him.
V36 Then the Jews said, “Look, how much he loved him!”
Jesus didn’t have a little show of whimper and tears. It appears that He was sobbing.
Ezekiel 18:23, 32 CSB – “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? ” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. “Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?…”For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD. “So repent and live!
Ezekiel 33:11 CSB – Tell them, ‘As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his way and live. Repent, repent of your evil ways! Why will you die, house of Israel? ‘
V37 But some of them said, “Couldn’t this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept this man from dying?”
Always complaining. Well, they will be ashamed of themselves shortly.
Principle: Wait until all the facts and the situation are over to complain about someone’s character.
We learn:
- Death is not God’s intention.
- Crying is not a sign of weakness.
Questions:
- How do you handle someone’s death?
- Do you cry?