Bible Briefs

J O H N   W.   M O O R E COMFORTED BY HIS TEARS When he entered the small community, the preacher found himself surrounded by a large group of mourners. Friends and relatives had gathered for a period of mourning, and in their desperation began to assert that if the preacher had been there, then their friend and brother would not have died; a stunning accusation against one who had so deeply loved his now deceased friend, but people often say things they do not mean when they are hurting. Instead of rebuke, however, the respected preacher spoke words of encouragement, and instead of anger he poured forth tears of sorrow. He was deeply moved by what he heard and saw. His tears were a witness to his compassion, and his sorrow a testimony to his love. This was not the first time Jesus revealed His emotional pain, nor would it be the last. Like the death of Lazarus alluded to above (Jn. 11), Jesus wept over the sorrows that would befall the beloved people of Jerusalem (Lk. 19:41). He also sorrowed “with strong crying” the night of His betrayal in Gethsemane (Heb. 5:7). The Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8) continues to be touched by the feelings of our infirmities (Heb. 4:14f). Knowing that Jesus cried comforts my soul because it demonstrates that He cares, and it reveals that He is compassionate. When today we face the cold hard realities of life with all of its sorrows and trials, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is touched by our pain and grief. He - more than anyone else - can help us when we are tempted, for He Himself was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3). Turn to Jesus; He cares for you.