Why did Jesus cry?
Why did Jesus cry here? Surely it was not because he sad that Lazarus was dead. He, of all people, knew that Lazarus was better off. Jesus couldn't have been grieving because also knew that we was about to raise him from the dead. So why was he deeply moved and troubled?
The Greek word here that is translated as moved in spirit literally means indignant. At first glance that word does not seem to fit. What would Jesus be indignant about? But Jesus felt that way after he saw people who loved weeping because of the pain that death had caused them.
Recall that Paul will later tell us that the Last enemy placed under Jesus feet with be death. And that the wages of sin are death. When Adam and Eve sinned the punishment was that they would not live forever, but rather death would enter the world. Death is an enemy of God. God did not intend for us to experience the pain and grief that death causes. It has not place in God's creation. It is only here as a result of sin. And this made Jesus indignant. He is indignant that his enemy, and unwelcome guest in his creation is causing such deep pain the people that he loves. Causing them a pain he never intended them to have to experience.
He hurt for Mary and the others, and he hurts for us too. But just as he proved that day by raising Lazarus, Jesus conquers death.
Created 7 months ago
