When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled … They told him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Then Jesus wept.” John 11:33, 34b-35 (NLT)
What strikes me most about Jesus’ response to Mary’s grief isn’t what He says. It’s what He doesn’t say.
Think about it — Jesus knows Mary’s weeping will soon turn to joy. He knows that He’s going to bring her brother back to life, and all the tears will be trumped by cheers. But Jesus doesn’t use the hope of a better tomorrow to avoid the imminent pain of today.
But Scripture reminds us we aren’t called to resolve someone’s tribulation; we’re commanded to share the gift of consolation.
To be honest, Jesus’ example challenges me to consider how I walk with the hurting people in my life. Grief can feel uncomfortable and awkward. And far too often, I want to fix someone’s struggle instead of share in their pain.
But Scripture reminds us we aren’t called to resolve someone’s tribulation; we’re commanded to share the gift of consolation.
Second Corinthians 1:3b-4 says, “… the God of all comfort … consoles us as we endure the pain and hardship of life so that we may draw from His comfort and share it with others in their own struggles” (VOICE).
We who’ve known the compassion of our heavenly Father are equipped to bring His comfort into any storm. We don’t need to worry about what to say — our imperfect presence often speaks louder than our perfect words. We just need to say yes to walking in the rain.
Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (ESV)
Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn — they will be comforted.” (VOICE)
Jeremiah 31:13b, “For I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort My people and replace their sorrow with gladness.” (VOICE)
This devotional really encouraged my heart. Alicia told the story of her being an angry, hurt teenager and took out het pain on her mum and sister. She then went for an angry walk in the rain. Her mum met her in the rain an bff walked with her As Jesus walked with others in their pain.
This is so true:
But Scripture reminds us we aren’t called to resolve someone’s tribulation; we’re commanded to share the gift of consolation.
Rather, Jesus holds Mary’s heart before He heals it. He enters her pain before He restores her peace.
Lord please help me treat my hurting friends in this way. Please remind me to choose 'safe' friend's and family when I'm hurting.
Pain is precious to you. Mau it be handled with the tender loving care it deserves.
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