Menu

John 11:30-37 – Sympathy

The house of Mary and Martha at Bethany is filled with mourners when Jesus arrives. Many of them, no doubt, know nothing of the faith, the hope, the love of Christ, or the discipleship of these women. But they feel for them in their great sorrow and kindly come to offer what comfort they can. By so doing they reap a rich and unexpected reward. The see the greatest miracle that Jesus ever does. They are eye witnesses when Lazarus comes out of the tomb. To many of them that day is a spiritual birth. The raising of Lazarus leads to a resurrection in their souls. If these people had not sympathised they might never have been saved. To show sympathy and kindness to the sorrowful is good for our souls whether we know it or not. To weep with those who weep, to try to bear one another’s burdens, and lighten cares – all this will not save us and bring us to heaven. But it is part of living obediently as a Christian, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Christ has a sympathy so tender towards His people. He knows perfectly well that the sorrow of the family of Bethany will soon be turned into joy, and that Lazarus in a few minutes will be restored to his sisters. But though He knows all this, He weeps. The weeping of Christ shows us that it is not sinful to cry. It shows us that deep feeling is not a thing we need to be ashamed of. It shows us, above all, that the Saviour in whom we trust is a tender and feeling Saviour. He has sympathy for us. When we turn to Him in the hour of trouble, and pour out our hearts before Him, He knows what we go through. And He is One who never changes. Though He now sits at God’s right hand in heaven, His heart is still the same that it was on earth. We have an Advocate with the Father, who, when He was upon earth, could weep.

Questions

  1. What blessing do those who have come to comfort Mary and Martha receive?
  2. What do we learn from Jesus’ weeping?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray for those in the congregation struggling with sadness.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.