PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible.
And one of the most powerful descriptions of Jesus’ humanity.
“Jesus wept.”
At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus was confronted by two grieving sisters who wanted to know why Jesus hadn’t come sooner to heal their brother.
Jesus arrived knowing full well that Lazarus had died and He also knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead within a few minutes.
But that didn’t exclude Jesus from feeling sorrow.
And as we often do in times of sorrow—we cry.
I personally find great comfort in knowing that even though God knows our future and has a plan for each of us, He loves us enough to share in our emotions, including our times of grief.
In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
And later, when He was preparing to leave for Heaven, Jesus explained Who will offer comfort when He said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7).
That particular translation is the KJV, but the two primary translations I use refer to the Holy Spirit as Helper and Advocate.
I chose KJV because I want the emphasis on the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.
However, I really like the Amplified Bible’s version of this verse too because it lists all the great words that describe the Holy Spirit — “Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby).”
That is an incredible gift.
Here we are in this broken world.
A world that is violent.
Sinful.
Divided.
Heartbroken.
Since the fall of man, humans have devised some of the most inconceivable ways to pollute the perfection God intended for us.
And the disrespect humanity has shown for our Creator, Lord, and Savior is of immeasurable magnitude.
Oh, how we must break His heart.
And yet, despite the untold ways we’ve disappointed Him and hurt Him, He loves us enough to die for us.
And He loves us enough to cry with us.
And He loves us enough to give us the Holy Spirit to live within us.
Who will guide us through every circumstance and situation if we let Him.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for crying too and for showing us that it’s okay to grieve.
Thank the Holy Spirit for the extraordinary comfort He provides to those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior.
