In the New Testament, John 11:35 is among the most famous verses. At the same time, it is also the shortest Bible verse with only two words i.e., “Jesus Wept”. This is symbolic of how Jesus Christ got overwhelmed with emotions and let his tears fall. Without a doubt, the John 11:35 verse holds a lot of significance to this day. Most of this Christians around the world realise the meaning behind this verse.
Mary and Martha are two key characters in the narrative of the Bible. Their brother, Lazarus, had met his demise. Lazarus was also one of the dearest friends of Jesus Christ. The Lord went to visit him and that’s where the Jesus Wept Bible verse originates from. If you are interested in knowing more, read this till the end. This blog explains everything relevant about the Jesus Wept Bible Verse.
Context & Narrative Behind The Jesus Wept Bible Verse
As you may know, this verse is a part of the John Chapter 11 in the New Testament. This chapter revolves around the story of Lazarus. He used to be a simple man who lived in Bethany. Moreover, Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. After Jesus was incarnated on Earth, he struck a friendship with Lazarus. One day, he became very sick before ultimately meeting his demise. This occurred near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Mary and Martha informed Jesus about Lazarus’s illness. Ultimately, he died before Jesus could get there.
According to sources, Jesus delayed going to meet Lazarus and his sisters. When Jesus Christ actually visited, Lazarus was already dead. In fact, he was placed in his tomb for around four days. Both Martha and Mary were sad. They believed that Jesus could bring Lazarus back to life. The John 11:33 verse states that “Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled”. He saw the sisters grieving and weeping which made him emotional. That’s where the John 11:35 verse “Jesus Wept” comes from. After crying, Jesus Christ visits his friend Lazarus’s tomb but not just to mourn. Lord Jesus Christ resurrected Lazarus and brought him back to life.
Jesus Wept Bible Verse Overview
Mary and Martha both said the same thing to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. In the end, Jesus Christ fulfilled their wish and Lazarus came back to life. It seems that the grief of the sisters and losing his friend really affected the Lord. Many people believe that bringing Lazarus back was an act of compassion from Jesus. The most popular translation of the John 11:35 verse is indeed “Jesus Wept”.
Undoubtedly, it is the shortest Bible verse in all versions and translations. According to Christian Scholars, the grief of Lazarus’ sisters was described as more intense. In a way, they were wailing for the loss of Lazarus. In contrast, the tears of Jesus Christ are described as calm and quiet. Hence, he wasn’t wailing loudly like the sisters, Mary and Martha. Even though Jesus was emotionally moved, his grief was still more controlled.
What can we understand about Jesus Christ through John 11:35?
- Certainly, the John 11:35 verse teaches us a lot about Jesus Christ. Even though he was a divine being, this verse shows that he was also human. In other words, the Lord was capable of experiencing real human emotions like grief. His tears for the loss of a friend, Lazarus, proves that he wasn’t just a God. Jesus was a human as well as a divine entity. He didn’t lack empathy and emotions at all. Experts believe that Jesus actually cried after seeing the sisters, Mary and Martha, in grief. Jesus already knew that he was going to raise Lazarus back from the dead.
- This verse from the New Testament solidifies the fact that Jesus was full of compassion and empathy. He could actually feel human pain and sympathise with it. Jesus Christ didn’t back down from being a part of their grief. John 11:35 shows that Jesus’ heart did feel suffering, loss, and death.
- Many people believe that the tears of Jesus showcase anger and sadness towards the concept of death. He was actually thinking about why mortality, suffering, and loss existed in this world. This symbolises that death wasn’t actually a part of God’s plans for humanity.
- People like to point out that Jesus didn’t hold back his sorrow even though he was about to resurrect Lazarus. He knew what he was about to do and still shared the moment of grief with the sisters. Therefore, his compassion and divine power was symbolized in the narrative. He didn’t take away their human reality of loss before bringing Lazarus back.
John 11:35 – Significance of the Jesus Wept Bible Verse
To this day, the John 11:35 verse is very relevant in Christian literature and sermons. Without a doubt, this Bible verse has been very impactful and taught many lessons to humanity. For example, humans should always take their time to grief. In simple words, grief and sorrow are important even if a divine miracle is about to unfold. The emotional impact of bringing Lazarus back to life is highlighted through this Bible verse.
According to ancient and modern scholars, it was very unexpected for Christians that Lord Jesus Christ actually cried. Previously, many people thought that Jesus was just a distant and emotionless divine entity. However, he showed compassion and became a part of the grief. In simple words, Jesus Christ is now known to be divine as well as human. This is because he actually felt real human emotions. There are many other similar Bible verses such as Hebrews 5:7 that sayd “Jesus in Agony” or Luke 19:41 “weeping over Jerusalem”.
Conclusion
It is fascinating how the John 11:35 Bible verse of just two words “Jesus Wept” is this impactful. This Bible verse showed humanity that Jesus was capable of feeling real emotions. And, that his heart was full of compassionate love. His human and divine nature is highlighted through this Bible verse. John 11:35 keeps reminding everyone that grief is important too.
FAQs
Why did Jesus Christ cry?
Seeing Mary and Martha mourn the death of their brother, Lazarus, made him cry.
Did Jesus Christ bring Lazarus back to life?
Yes, Jesus Christ resurrected Lazarus after four days of his death. It was truly a divine miracle.
Where does the John 11:35 verse orginate from?
This shortest Bible verse originates from the John Chapter 11 in the New Testament.
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