Jesus Wept

Lazarus of Bethany was sick, and his sisters sent for Jesus. John tells us Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. Yet Jesus stayed two more days. He said the sickness was for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified. When He arrived, Lazarus had already been buried four days.

Martha told Jesus that God would give Him whatever He asked. Jesus said her brother would rise again. Martha thought He meant the last day. Then Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. He asked, Do you believe this? Martha said yes, she believed He was the Christ. When Mary came weeping, Jesus was deeply moved. Jesus wept. Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus, He shared their sorrow.

At the tomb, Martha worried there would be a bad smell. Jesus reminded her that if she believed, she would see God's glory. He thanked the Father, then called, Lazarus, come out! Lazarus came out, and Jesus told them to unwrap him. Many believed. The council feared the Romans and decided Jesus must die. Caiaphas said it was better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.