Randy Wray’s Blog

It’s the shortest verse in the entire Bible.

It’s the first verse most of us had no problem memorizing.

It’s a verse that brings both comfort and questions.

Figured it out by now?

John 11:35 (NCV) Jesus cried.

We talked about this in our small group last night in the context of sitting shiva. Shiva is from the Hebrew word sheva, which means seven, and is the first stage of mourning in the Jewish tradition.

After the burial, the immediate mourners return to a home called the “shiva house,” to begin a seven day period of intense mourning. This week is called “sitting shiva,” and is an emotionally and spiritually healing time where the mourners sit low, dwell together, and friends and loved ones come to comfort them with short visits referred to as “shiva calls.” A person sits shiva after having lost a parent, spouse, sibling, or child. All other loved ones are also mourned, but the observances of shiva do not apply.

Our teaching time last night focused on the aspect of God sitting shiva with us, being with us, during times of mourning and grief, despair and loss.

We reflected upon the response of Jesus as he was drawn into the grief of Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus.

Ever wondered why Jesus cried?

Did Jesus know he could raise Lazarus?

Did Jesus know he would raise Lazarus?

John 11:21-23 (NCV) Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask.” Jesus said, “Your brother will rise and live again.”

Perhaps Jesus cried, not for Lazarus, but for the reality of death in God’s perfect world?

Follow the narrative and pay attention to the specific events which stir up the emotions of Jesus.

John 11:32-35 (NCV) But Mary went to the place where Jesus was. When she saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw Mary crying and the Jews who came with her also crying, he was upset and was deeply troubled. He asked, “Where did you bury him?” “Come and see, Lord,” they said. Jesus cried.

The people viewed the tears of Jesus as a sign of how much he loved Lazarus. I see, in this text, Jesus knowing all along he was going to raise Lazarus.

John 11:40 (NCV) Then Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

What brought Jesus to tears certainly was the pain of Mary and Martha. What brought Jesus to tears was the pain of death in God’s world.

It’s okay to weep. It’s okay to cry your eyes out. Contrary to popular belief, big boys do cry.

When you face loss it’s okay not to have answers - it’s okay to have only questions, frustration, doubt even anger. I hope someone can sit shiva with you. Trust that God will sit shiva with you.

When it is your turn to comfort, don’t think you have to say anything. In fact, it would probably be better if you didn’t say anything.

Just be there, be quiet, be still.