John 11:35 Jesus wept. The weeping was preceded by groans. After the groans come tears — a gentle rain after the violent storm. Jesus in this, as in all things, stands alone. 1. Different from Himself at other times. 2. Very unlike the Jews who came to comfort the two sisters, and — 3. unlike the sisters themselves. Jesus' tears imply — I. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE MIND (Lamentations 3:51). Tears are natural. The relation existing between matter and mind is inexplicable. Yet it exists. From this fact we can reason to the relation existing between God and the material universe. II. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE HUMAN AND THE DIVINE. Here we have a proof of His humanity. What more human than weeping? Following this manifestation of humanity is the manifestation of divinity. We should guard against the old errors concerning the constitution of Christ's person; for they appear from age to age under new forms: 1. Arianism — denying His proper Divinity. 2. Appolinarianism — denying His proper humanity. 3. Nestorianism — dual personality. 4. Eutychianism — confounding the two natures in His person. III. THE RELATION BETWEEN CHRIST AS MEDIATOR AND HUMANITY, IN GENERAL, IN ITS MISERY, AND HIS PEOPLE, IN PARTICULAR, IN THEIR AFFLICTIONS. 1. The question, why He wept? is here answered. (1) He was sorrowful because of the misery caused by sin. As Jerusalem was before His eyes when He wept over it, so here humanity in its sin and all its misery passed in review before His face. (2) His weeping was a manifestation of His sympathy. No comparison between His consoling, comforting tears and those of the Jews. 2. The intercessory work of Christ as our High Priest in heaven is here implied. He is the same there as when here upon earth (Hebrews 13:8). Has the same heart beating with ours. He is our sympathizing Friend and Brother there. APPLICATION: 1. Have you wept on account of your sins? They have caused, and are still causing, Jesus to weep. 2. Do you realise Christ's friendship for you? 3. Let us learn from His example to sympathise with the sorrows of our fellow men. (T. E. Hughes.) Parallel Verses KJV: Jesus wept.WEB: Jesus wept. |
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