Where were you?
Anyone who grew up in Sunday School knows the story of Lazarus. The man had become ill and died. In walks Jesus, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43), and Lazarus walked out of his tomb. Like many, that was about the extent of what was told of the story. Even as an adult, I did not think to look past the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. But there are 42 other verses that come before the miracle that are often overlooked.
If you look closer at the beginning of the story, Jesus wasn’t even in the same town when Lazarus died. The Bible says that Jesus deeply cared for Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Lazarus became ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, but Jesus chose to stay where he was for two more days. Jesus then returned to the town of Bethany, where Lazarus was already entombed for four days. When he arrived, both sisters said “If you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died” (John 11:21, 32). In essence the same question many, including me, ask when our loved ones die. God, where were you? Why were you not there to spare my loved one? Some may think this sentiment would have angered Jesus, but this is not the reaction we see in scripture.
Following the sisters accusations, we find the shortest verse in the entire Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This seems such a minor detail, but I think it holds much more significance than we usually recognize. Jesus saw the despair and weeping of those around him, people he cared about. Jesus was moved by their pain, and shared in their despair. There are many examples throughout the Bible of times when God was saddened, but this one sticks out to me. Jesus knew a miracle was about to happen. He knew good was coming, but he still wept. He still shared in the pain and sorrow of death.
Honestly, I think this sorrow is a side of Jesus we often overlook. We tend to look at the powerful and magnificent moments, but leave behind the gentler, more emotional moments. It is in these quieter times that we get a glimpse into the compassionate character of God. Jesus is the Son of God, bearing all of the qualities and characteristics of God. If Jesus can feel compassion for humanity, God feels compassion for humanity. It is easy for us to forget, especially in times of sorrow, that God shares in our pain. We may blame Him or be angry with Him, but He still cares deeply for those He loves (which is everyone). We may never see the good that may come from our situation, but God does. Yet, even when He sees something good is coming, He still shares your pain and grief.
