Msg #1427 Jesus Wept

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

John 11:35 is likely the most memorized verse in the Bible because of its brevity. It is the centerpiece in the account of the resurrection of Lazarus. John eleven is not about Lazarus, nor is it about death, nor is it about resurrection. It is about the Christ who said,"I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" I have made a pact with myself, I will never quote John 11:35 but that I run through verse 25 as well. Lazarus fell sick unto death. At first glance Jesus does not come nor care, and lets him die. When a saint falls sick unto death today, at first glance, Jesus may seem not to come or care. The Friend, that is closer than a brother, does care. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. But when your friend is also your Lord, it behooves one to remember that it is not about him, it is all about Christ, and thus it should be. That is much easier to pen than it is to live. But the Friend also promised "My grace is sufficient for you" (2Cor12:9) When "Jesus wept", it was not for Lazarus, nor was it for his weeping sisters, Jesus "groaned in the spirit, and was troubled," (vr.33) because death is separation, death is sorrow, death is sadness. He came that we might have life more abundantly. (Joh10:10) But, alas, the majority rejected Him then, and they do today. Jesus wept for mankind and his plight. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

An Essay for week #27 07/06/2014

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Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs140706.mp3