Shared Tears

 

Scripture Reading: John 11:28–37

Jesus wept. 

John 11:35

Sometimes the greatest comfort comes from someone willing to sit beside us and share our sorrow. When Mary hears that Jesus is calling for her, she goes to him, falls at his feet, and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). Jesus sees her weeping and the mourners around her. Deeply moved and troubled, he asks where Lazarus has been laid. Then John  records two unforgettable words: “Jesus wept.” The One who will call Lazarus from the tomb enters the sorrow of those standing beside it. Jesus’s tears reveal a love that draws close to human suffering. Psalm 34:18 assures us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

Charles Spurgeon, who spoke openly about his recurring experiences of depression and melancholy, wrote, “Let us learn to think of tears as liquid prayers.” When words fail, we can still bring our sorrow before God. Psalm 6:8 declares that the Lord has heard our weeping, while Romans 8:26 assures us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes through wordless groans. We may trust God deeply and still ache with loss. Jesus’ tears make room for ours. As a resurrection people, we hold sorrow and hope together, trusting that the Savior who conquered death also understands the pain of separation.

Henri Nouwen describes compassion as “suffering with, being with, crying out with, feeling with.” Such love invites us to accompany others through their grief. We can listen patiently, remember a loved one by name, bring a meal, or remain present after others have returned to their routines. Matthew Henry reminds us that when we share the tears of those who suffer, we reflect the compassion of Christ. Paul invites us to draw alongside those who grieve and share their sorrow (Romans 12:15). Through these simple acts, we become resurrection people who share Christ’s compassion, bringing his comfort and hope into another person’s sorrow.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

Comfort us in our sorrow and help us draw close to those who grieve. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.