Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Chronological Reading Plan for Oct 28, Jn 11

Today's reading is Jn 11. Tomorrow's is Lk 18.

In Jn 11, Jesus weeps when He sees Mary and those who were close to Lazarus weeping and mourning. We know Jesus is not sad because he has already indicated in Jn 11:11 that He would raise Lazarus. So, why was He weeping? 

The text is not clear. A strong possibility is that Jesus looks around, sees the grief caused by death, knows that death is the result of sin and weeps over the impact sin has on those He loves. It brings death, pain and grief. Jesus has great compassion for those that are hurting and suffering. The reason He came is to relieve the type of grief and uncertainty He sees in these mourners.

Another possibility is the lack of faith and trust exhibited by all those who are grieving. Jesus had just said, "Your brother will rise again." He had already raised the little girl (Luke 8:52) and the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:14-15). He was clearly able to raise Lazarus but the people gathered in their grief had lost hope, even in Christ. This too can be attributed to the work of Satan in the lives of believers. Jesus is grieved that those He loves can suffer such pain but angry ("deeply moved in His spirit and greatly troubled") at Satan for being the source of it.

In raising Lazarus, Jesus proves He is the remedy to pain, grief, doubt and many more human maladies and shortcomings. But an even more profound lesson is being taught regardless of why He sheds tears. In calling Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus asserts His sovereign authority over Satan, sin and death.

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