John 11:35 - "Jesus Wept"

This is the shortest verse in the Bible but it sure speaks volumes. I have often wondered about this verse. The setting is the funeral of Lazarus. He had been dead and buried four days, but was Jesus crying because His friend Lazarus was gone? No, in a moment Jesus would raise Lazar from the dead. I believe Jesus wept as He saw the devastation that sin had caused in the world. The Bible says the wages of sin is death and here death had touched one more man -Lazarus. Look at the pain it caused for those around. Listen to the cries of those in agony? Jesus weeps with them even though the resurrection was right around the corner.

You know, Jesus cares when we hurt. He hurts with us. The resurrection is around the corner but He still sees the pain that sin and death cause. This is why He hates sin so much. It is not because sin is toxic to Him or like His kryptonite that He can't let it pollute Him. God hates sin because of the havoc it wreaks on the human life. He weeps seeing the pain sin causes.

I have seen that recently in my work as a pastor. I spent the last week and a half counseling a couple who has marital problems. Over the hours of hearing both sides I became overwhelmed with the mountain of sin they have committed toward God and each other. Jesus weeps in my heart. I see the caustic pollutant that sin really is and I hate it. I see the joy and purity of holiness and I love it. I cling to it. I want more of it in my own life.

The problem with people are that they are grossly wicked. People would rather lie and manipulate that repent and take responsibility. When you mediate between two people, often times they will both try to manipulate you. This means they will lie to you and exaggerate the other's faults to gain sympathy. They will subtly praise you and generously thank you for how "humble" and "spiritual" you are. For me, I have been a pastor for many years and I was in politics for years as well, I recognize spin. I know a lie right away. Interestingly I am not hurt by the lies. I am puzzled and curious as to why people continue to cling to their sin when it is destroying their lives.

Sin that brings death. Sin that comes with pain and broken relationships. Sin that eats a person's heart and gnaws on their soul till they are living dead, numb from the pain, indifferent and desperate. Do they know that Jesus wept? Do they know that He is calling them, like Lazarus, to step out of the tomb? DO they know Jesus is calling them to life?