Jesus Still Weeps

The shortest text in the Bible is found in John 11:35, where the Scripture says, “Jesus wept.” Jesus was so heart broken over Lazarus’ death, that He “wept” (John 11:1-35). On another occasion, we read again of Jesus’ being heart broken over the fact that God’s chosen people (Israel) had rejected Him as the Messiah. He mourns over the nation and the city (Jerusalem) where Jehovah had shown so much love and mercy for generations:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers he chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:37-39).

We say, “How sad, how touching, how tragic!” And yet, Jesus still weeps. He weeps because all of his children are not found in every assembly (Hebrews 10:25); He weeps because all of His children are not found in Bible classes, "studying" His word (2 Timothy 2:15 ASV); He weeps because all of His children are not found participating in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-30; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13-21); He weeps because all of His children do not "give" as they have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2); He weeps because all of His children are not fulfilling the command to “go teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV; Mark 16:15-16); He weeps because of the testimony of empty pews found on the Lord’s Day and Wednesday evening.

The bitter persecution, the harsh and unjust criticism, and the scourging of Jesus, did not cause Him to weep. “Jesus wept” because of the precious souls that were lost in sin (John 3:16-17). Beloved, as God’s children, let us discharge our responsibilities as a Christian and make Jesus happy — never causing Him to weep. When we were baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins (Gal. 3:26-27, Acts 2:38 KJV), we determined not to cause Jesus to weep — we would not bring reproach upon Him or His church (cf. Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:21-29).

As God’s children, let us this day commit ourselves to every good work, fully supporting the Lord and His church, so that the Lord’s church might continue to experience spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; cf. Ephesians 4:11-16). May He never weep because of a lack of concern on our part for those who are spiritually lost. May we heed the warning found in Hebrews 3:12.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets