Every morning this week I have been meeting with our Mission team sharing with them some thoughts about Encountering Jesus!

Today we looked at the story of Lazarus death and resurrection, however, we did not get that far into Lazarus’ death escape because I believe that there was another miracle that took place with Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary. (John 11)

The encounter that these two sisters were about to have with Jesus is so powerful and strong that made Jesus cry! Yes, Jesus wept!

Jesus was more than a friend, he was like a brother to Martha and Mary. When Martha saw Jesus she said to Jesus “If you had been here, my brother would not have died”, and then she added, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask”. That is faith. What follows, is one of the most amazing dialogues in the New Testament, in the midst of pain and grief Jesus and Martha talked about the resurrection this led to Jesus declaring ” I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” – then Jesus asked Martha “Do you believe this? Martha replied, “Yes Lord”.

In the messiness of grief and despair, Jesus spoke hope into the heart of Martha. Now when Mary heard that Jesus was near she runs to meet him and so everyone else, seeing Jesus she said “If you had been here my brother would not have died” but unlike her sister, there isn’t a “doctrinal” dialogue with Jesus. Mary cries, she is weeping and so most of her friends who came with her, and Jesus is weeping too!

Jesus wept! He was deeply moved and troubled.

This is the encounter of TEARS!

Be Blessed!