Help For The Hurting

 HELP FOR THE HURTING

“Jesus wept.” - John 11:35

Death is never a welcome guest at any home. It produces an expression of our rawest emotions. Death leaves scars that remain the rest of our lives. Yes, the pain may subside over time, but the scars remain.

The fact is that none of us are immune to death. If we live any length of time at all, we will face the grim reality that our closest friends and family members are mortal. Sometimes the most difficult reality is facing our own mortality.

Jesus knew about grief. He had a close friend pass away. When Jesus arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. Jesus ministered to the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha. It was during this visit that our Bible records the shortest verse in Scripture, “Jesus wept.” During our times of grief, it helps to know that our Lord is no stranger to tears. He knows about sorrow and grief.

As we read the story of Lazarus in John chapter 11, we should receive help and comfort, knowing three things are true:

1. JESUS SEES OUR GRIEF

First of all, Jesus sees our grief. He knows about each tear we cry. He knows when we have a broken heart. He is aware of our deepest pain. Our Lord saw the grief of Mary and Martha. He was aware of their pain. He was there for them when they needed Him the most. He is here for us when we face times of tragedy, trials and tears.

2. JESUS SHARES OUR GRIEF

Secondly, Jesus shares our grief. Jesus wept along with Mary and Martha. The psalmist wrote, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Notice that the Lord can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He shares our grief. He is not a cold dictator in heaven. Instead, the Lord cares deeply about His children. He is touched by our tears. The psalmist wrote that God keeps our tears in a bottle. Jesus shares our grief.

3. JESUS SHOWS US GRACE

Finally, Jesus shows us grace. Jesus showed grace to Mary and Martha in their time of grief. Grace is God's unmerited favor. Grace is the mercy and blessings that God freely gives to undeserving people. Jesus showed grace to Mary and Martha by providing them with His presence. He was there for them. He is here for us during our time of grief. He stands by us during our pain. He is there for us when we weep. Others may not be able to help us when we hurt, but the Lord is present. Secondly, He showed them grace by providing them His promise. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” We have this promise today! Jesus performed a miracle that day in raising Lazarus from the dead. But what is a greater miracle, raising a dead person back to life so that he will eventually die a second time … or … raising a person from the dead so they would never die again? The latter is more impressive than the former. A resurrection that brings immortality is the promise that Jesus gives to everyone who believes.

It could be that you are currently going through unspeakable pain and grief. You may be walking the dark valley of loneliness and loss. If so, let me remind you that Jesus sees your grief. He shares your grief. He will show you grace.

Look to the Lord and receive the peace and comfort that only He can provide.