When you suffer, He suffers too…

The Gospels tell us that “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52, NKJV) And He developed another characteristic I’d like to focus on today, one that can be expressed in two words:

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Do you remember when Jesus cried? He had a beautiful relationship with Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, and He often retired to their house in Bethany to rest. I imagine these friends must have joyfully welcomed Him, that they shared their meals together, and that Jesus must have shared His Father’s secrets with them…

However, a tragedy occurs. Lazarus falls ill and, unfortunately, dies. Jesus, forewarned, arrives too late and encounters a devastated Martha who reproaches Him for not being there when they needed Him. As for Mary, she throws herself at His feet and weeps in grief. Jesus is touched by the distress of His two friends and…He, too, cries. (Read the story in John 11:1-44). I believe that He cries out of compassion for His friends but also in joy, knowing what will soon happen…

Jesus doesn’t always immediately solve all your problems. On the other hand, He stands by your side with compassion as you go through painful times:

• When you’re hurting, He suffers with you,
• When you’re sad, He feels your sadness,
• When you cry, He cries with you.

Jesus is sensitive, loving. He is moved with compassion (compassion, meaning “to suffer with”: “com” = with and “passio” = to suffer) seeing the pain of those close to Him…but also the pain of the two blind men, of the widow who lost her only son, and of the crowds overwhelmed by sickness…

Jesus hasn’t changed. His compassion is still the same. He isn’t indifferent to the situations you’re facing. Don’t think He’s so far away that He sees you like an ant while He sits on His throne!

Yes, He is the Almighty God, and He is rich in mercy, overflowing with love for you. Don’t forget:

• That His compassion is endless, and that He’s doing what’s right for you,
• That His gaze is upon you, and that He’s expectantly waiting for you to look at Him,
• That He’s concerned with your circumstances and wants to help you transform them into blessings.

God doesn’t like when you suffer. He is touched by your tears and stays by your side to help you move forward, every day, until the end of time.

I invite you to receive the love, grace, and comfort that Jesus gives you today.