The Raising of Lazarus
Caravaggio, c. 1609
"We read that when our Lord saw Mary weeping, and the Jews weeping with her, "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled." We read even more than this. He gave outward expression to His feelings: He "wept." He knew perfectly well that the sorrow of the family of Bethany would soon be turned into joy, and that Lazarus in a few minutes would be restored to his sisters. But though he knew all this, He "wept."
This weeping of Christ is deeply instructive. It shows us that it is not sinful to sorrow. ... It shows us that deep feeling is not a thing of which we need be ashamed. To be cold and stoical and unmoved in the sight of sorrow is no sign of grace. There is nothing unworthy of a child of God in tears. -- It shows us, above all, that the Saviour in whom believers trust is a most tender and feeling Saviour. He is one who can be touched with sympathy for our infirmities. ... Though He now sits at God's right hand in heaven, His heart is still the same that it was upon the earth. We have an Advocate with the Father, who, when He was upon earth, could weep." -JC Ryle
I wish I wept with those who wept more than I do. True godly sorrow needs company. I'm not talking about the "Crocodile tears" that we may see and know are what they are. I have seen many of these. But when I see someone who is really hurting, am I willing to go and absorb their pain?
This is what our Lord teaches here I think. And so well taught to us by the Bishop Ryle with his excellent words.
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