Jesus wept.

John 11:35

The adults at the funeral home stood back, not knowing what to say to the grieving grandfather, but his four-year old grandson climbed into his lap. “What did you say to Grandpa?” asked his mother. “Nothing,” replied the boy, “I just cried with him.”

When Jesus met His weeping friend Mary near the tomb of her brother Lazarus, He wept with her. He shared her grief, but offered hope. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He told Mary’s sister Martha. Then He called, “Lazarus, come out!” and Lazarus lived.

Death hurts. We weep when loved ones die, but Jesus understands our pain. St. Paul reminds us “You may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Jesus will call all who die believing in Him to eternal life.

Eileen Ritter
Byron Center, MI

Help me, Lord, to face the death of my loved ones with faith and hope in the resurrection. Amen. 

Reflect: When you send a sympathy card, add a message about your faith in Jesus’ resurrection.

Read: John 11:17-44 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58