Why did Jesus Weep?

Embracing humanity with our Savior.

It’s one of the shortest verses in Scripture but it speaks volumes.

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 ESV)

Nestled in John’s eleventh chapter, in the midst of a mourning group and a sudden death, we’re told the Son of God’s response—weeping.

The Lord of Life, the one who came to abolish death forever is found weeping over the death of his friend.

He doesn’t skip to the resurrection of Lazarus, he doesn’t assure Mary and Martha that everything will be ok. Encouragement isn't his first priority….weeping is.

This reveals a startling truth for Christians.

Jesus wept, so we can too

It’s easy for followers of Jesus to have a complicated relationship with tears.

As a people who believe death has already been defeated and those who die in Christ are now with him in glory, we wonder if it’s ok to cry. We wonder if it’s ok to mourn.

The resounding response from Jesus is an unreserved and whole-hearted yes.

Jesus knew not only that he would soon defeat death but that he would raise Lazarus back to life within moments. And he still weeps. Tears pour down from his divine eyes as he comes face to face with the crushing sting of death.

Why?

Because to weep isn’t to lack faith, it’s to embrace reality.

This reality is that death hurts. It rips loved ones away from us and often does so far too soon. Death comes in various forms, from cancer to car accidents to covid-19 or as the culmination of a long life.

No matter how it arrives, death always stings.

So when Jesus weeps, he gives us divine permission to weep. To let the crushing pain in our chests be felt. To call death what it is—an enemy.

But the good news is we don’t weep without hope.

Deeper than our pain is the belief that somehow, one day, all will be made right. And this isn’t cheap, hallmark hope.

It’s costly, crucified hope.