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Weeping With Those Who Weep – Tuesday, 3/24/2026

Scripture Reading: John 11:17-37

In a culture that often prizes strength and "keeping it together," one of the most surprising things about Jesus in this story is that he cries. Not a polite, dignified tear — the original Greek word used suggests he was deeply moved, troubled in spirit, even groaning. He already knows he's about to raise Lazarus. He knows the story has a good ending. And he still weeps. That's worth sitting with for a moment. Jesus doesn't skip past the grief to get to the miracle. He enters it.

When Martha hears Jesus is coming, she goes out to meet him — and the first thing she says is essentially: "Where were you? If you had been here, my brother would not have died." That's not a polished, faithful statement. It's raw and honest and hurting. And Jesus doesn't rebuke her for it. He meets her in it. He engages her questions seriously, and then says something that becomes central to the whole story: "I am the resurrection and the life." He doesn't say, "Don't worry, it'll all be fine." He says, "I am here, and I am the source of life itself."

When Mary arrives and falls at Jesus' feet, also weeping, surrounded by others who are weeping — Jesus asks a simple, human question: "Where have you laid him?" He wants to go there. He wants to stand in the place of loss. He moves toward the grief, not away from it. This is one of the most tender pictures in all of scripture — a God who doesn't stand at a distance from our pain, but walks right into it with us.

If you've ever sat with someone in a hospital room in Monroe or anywhere else, not knowing what to say, you understand something important about what Jesus does here. Sometimes presence matters more than answers. The people who helped us most in our hardest moments were often just the ones who showed up and stayed. This passage is an invitation to be that kind of person to someone else — and to trust that when we are the one grieving, we are not alone.

Reflection Question: Is there someone in your life right now who is grieving or struggling, and who might just need someone to show up and be present — not to fix anything, but just to be there?

Action Step: Reach out today to someone you know who is going through a hard time. You don't need to have the right words. Send a text, drop off a meal, or just stop by. Let your presence be the message.

Prayer: God who weeps with us, thank you for not standing at a distance from our pain. When grief is heavy today, meet us in it. And help us to be present to the people around us who are hurting, offering not answers but simply ourselves. Amen.