“Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept…Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.”
John 11:33-35, 38 NKJV
Yeshua was an emotional man. I don’t know why I’ve never thought of it like this before.
The story of Lazarus is very revealing. John 11 teaches us that Lazarus was a very dear, close friend of Yeshua and that Yeshua had a special fondness for him and his sisters. Yet, in spite of the closeness, Yeshua did not go to them when He first learned of Lazarus’ illness – rather, He finished the work He was doing, and, two days later, finally made His way to them.
And when He arrives and see how Lazarus’ death has affected them, Yeshua groans – twice. The Greek term used here implies that He felt an indignation or sternness within Himself and that He was angry at the sorrow death caused. But, He groaned internally. Then He wept, and after arriving at the tomb, He groaned again. He had all the feelings.
Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who first named the 5 stages of grief in 1969, later revised model to a 7-stage grieving process: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance.
While her work focuses on death and dying, the reality is that we have losses without death. Loss of a job or career. Loss of a friendship or finances. Loss of community or dreams. And when there is loss, grief follows. Like Yeshua, we groan and we weep – sometimes internally, sometimes externally. We feel all the things – shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance – and somewhere along the way, the grief gives way to hope.
When Yeshua arrived at the cave where Lazarus was buried, He said 5 things. First, remove the stone. Second, He reminded Martha of His promise to her – that she would see the glory of G-d. Third, He lifted His eyes to G-d, thanking G-d for hearing His voice. Fourth, He called Lazarus forth. Finally, He told those who were present to loose Lazarus from the grave clothes and let him go.
What are we facing today that seems dead, buried, and beyond hope? Is it a failed relationship? Is it an illness or death of a dream? Is it a physical loss? Has your hope been decimated?
If you’re in a season of grief, rest assured He has the power to bring to life the most hopeless of circumstances. Be reminded of His promise to you and His power over dead things. He is good, and ALL that He does is good. In both death and life, He is working out all things even now for our good and His glory. Don’t give up.
Father – thank You for Your mercy and truth. Give hope to those of us who are waiting. Give strength to those of us who are weary. And give courage to those of us who are afraid. Your leadership in my life is perfect. I will trust You. Amen.
Daily Reading: John 11
October 29, 2022