sacred suffering

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 and it says: "Jesus wept."

Why is this verse significant? When we read the whole chapter, we see a story of how we can view the seemingly impossible coexistence of joy and suffering. Jesus held the knowledge of true joy that was about to be revealed in a miraculous way for his dear friends who were suffering. Mary and Martha watched helplessly as their brother Lazarus' health declined. 

As soon as Jesus receives the message from the sisters that their brother is sick, (they know he can heal any disease) he tells his disciples the reason for this particular illness. Then he delays going to them on purpose. He waits and lets Lazarus die.

When Jesus does arrive, we see Martha going out to greet him in a confrontational manner. She needs him to know she's disappointed and confused as to why he didn't come sooner. Mary stays in the house. Her world has crumbled. Jesus hadn't shown up in time. This was the same woman who loved to sit at Jesus' feet and soak up his every word (Luke 10:38-42). Other friends had already come to comfort the sisters. 

I've responded to suffering like both Mary and Martha in my own life.

When Martha comes back to the house, she whispers to Mary, saying Jesus is calling for her. Mary quickly goes and finds him. She drops to her knees in worshipful humility, but with the same bitter words Jesus had just heard from Martha: "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:35) 

There's really no way to understand or accept why suffering exists outside of knowing God. 

At this point, Jesus could have put a big huge smile on his face and said, "Hey! Chill out! Everything is going to be fine! I've got this! Just trust me, and have a little ore faith! This is all for the glory of God! I'm so excited to show you what I'm about to do here - perform my biggest miracle! You will be filled with joy in a matter of minutes!" But no, He does no such thing.

"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." He then simply asks where the body has been laid to rest. 

Jesus wept, standing there facing the tomb.

The omniscient Son of God enters into his friend's suffering to weep heavy tears with them. 
This story shows me how very real and sacred our suffering is to our Savior, and at the same time, our Heavenly Father. The joy he was ready to reveal to these people was great and wonderful, but he never wished to discredit or belittle how they suffered through fiery trials.

I do not know the answer to how suffering and joy coexist. It's truly beyond me. But I can see the heart of Christ entering into our pain, all the while knowing the joy He's got stored up and available to each and every one of us.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you... but rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

(This is a devotional I wrote for an online platform in March of 2021)