Jesus: Compassion in Our Grief and Disappointment
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound encounter between Jesus, Mary, and Martha during the death of their brother, Lazarus, as recounted in John 11. This narrative is not just about the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus but also about the compassionate heart of Jesus and how He meets us in our moments of grief and despair. Both Mary and Martha faced the same loss, yet their responses were different, highlighting the unique ways Jesus interacts with each of us according to our needs. Martha approached Jesus with a mixture of faith and questioning, while Mary was so overwhelmed by grief that she couldn't even bring herself to meet Him initially. Jesus' response to both sisters was deeply personal and empathetic, demonstrating His understanding and love.
Jesus' interaction with Mary and Martha teaches us that He is not only concerned with performing miracles but also with how He engages with us in our pain. He doesn't rush to perform the miracle; instead, He takes time to be present with them, allowing them to express their sorrow and questions. This story challenges us to not only know the acts of God but to understand His ways, His character, and His heart. Jesus' tears at Lazarus' tomb reveal His deep empathy and His willingness to share in our suffering. This narrative encourages us to bring our disappointments and grief to Jesus, knowing that He meets us where we are, without judgment or condemnation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus Meets Us in Our Grief: Jesus' interaction with Mary and Martha shows that He meets us in our unique emotional states. He comforts Martha with words of hope and sits with Mary in her grief, demonstrating that He understands and shares in our pain. This teaches us that Jesus is present with us in our suffering, offering comfort and understanding. [07:49]
2. Faith Amidst Disappointment: Martha's dialogue with Jesus reveals a faith that persists despite disappointment. She acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, even when her expectations were unmet. This illustrates the importance of holding onto our faith in who Jesus is, rather than just what He can do, especially when our hopes seem dashed. [19:52]
3. The Compassionate Heart of Jesus: Jesus weeping at Lazarus' tomb highlights His deep empathy and compassion. He doesn't rush to fix the situation but shares in the sorrow of those He loves. This reminds us that it's okay to feel deep emotions and that Jesus is with us in those moments, not demanding we have it all together. [24:06]
4. Trusting in God's Ways: The story encourages us to trust in God's ways, even when we don't understand His timing or methods. Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was part of a greater plan to reveal God's glory. This teaches us to trust in God's character and His ultimate goodness, even when circumstances are confusing. [16:21]
5. Encountering God in Our Vulnerability: Jesus' encounter with Mary shows that we don't need to hide our vulnerability from Him. He calls us to come to Him as we are, with all our pain and questions. This encourages us to be honest with God about our struggles, knowing that He desires to meet us in those places and bring healing. [26:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Introduction to Lazarus' Story
[02:49] - Martha's Faith and Questioning
[03:41] - Jesus' Compassionate Response
[04:21] - The Power of Belief
[07:49] - Jesus Meets Us in Our Grief
[09:08] - Trusting in God's Timing
[10:20] - The Disciples' Perspective
[11:35] - Wrestling with Disappointment
[12:40] - The Tension of Faith and Doubt
[14:20] - Embracing Our Emotions
[15:12] - Trusting in God's Character
[16:21] - God's Greater Plan
[17:26] - Encountering God in Vulnerability
[18:49] - The Revelation of Jesus
[19:52] - Holding Onto Faith Amidst Disappointment
[23:11] - Jesus' Empathy and Compassion
[24:06] - The Depth of Jesus' Emotions
[26:43] - Vulnerability Before God
[28:28] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 11:1-44
Observation Questions:
1. How did Martha and Mary each respond to Jesus' arrival after Lazarus' death? What does this reveal about their individual personalities and faith? [02:49]
2. What was Jesus' initial reaction when He saw Mary and the others weeping? How does this demonstrate His empathy? [03:41]
3. What did Jesus say to Martha about the resurrection, and how did she respond? [02:49]
4. How did the people around Jesus react to His weeping, and what does this tell us about their understanding of His relationship with Lazarus? [03:41]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' interaction with Martha and Mary teach us about His approach to individual needs and emotions? [07:49]
2. How does Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus reflect on His understanding of God's greater plan? What might this teach us about divine timing? [16:21]
3. In what ways does Martha's confession of faith, despite her disappointment, serve as a model for believers today? [19:52]
4. How does Jesus' willingness to weep with Mary and the others challenge our understanding of expressing emotions in times of grief? [24:06]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disappointed with God. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently after learning from Martha's example? [19:52]
2. When you are in a place of grief or disappointment, how do you typically respond? How can you invite Jesus into those moments more intentionally? [26:43]
3. Jesus met Mary and Martha in their unique emotional states. How can you be more present and empathetic to those around you who are experiencing grief or disappointment? [07:49]
4. Consider a situation where you are waiting on God's timing. How can you cultivate trust in His greater plan, even when it doesn't align with your expectations? [16:21]
5. Jesus wept with those who were mourning. How can you allow yourself to express emotions authentically in your relationship with God and others? [24:06]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel vulnerable. How can you bring this vulnerability to God, trusting that He meets you where you are? [26:43]
7. How can you hold onto faith in who Jesus is, rather than just what He can do, especially when facing unmet expectations? [19:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Meets Us in Our Unique Grief
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates His profound empathy by meeting Mary and Martha in their distinct emotional states. Martha approaches Jesus with a blend of faith and questioning, seeking understanding and hope. In contrast, Mary is so overwhelmed by grief that she initially cannot face Jesus. Jesus responds to each sister in a deeply personal way, offering Martha words of hope and sitting with Mary in her sorrow. This narrative illustrates that Jesus is present with us in our suffering, offering comfort and understanding tailored to our individual needs. He does not demand that we have it all together but meets us where we are, sharing in our pain and offering His compassionate presence. [07:49]
John 11:32-35 (ESV): "Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Lord, come and see.' Jesus wept."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by grief or disappointment. How can you invite Jesus into that space today, trusting that He will meet you with empathy and understanding?
Day 2: Faith Amidst Disappointment
Martha's interaction with Jesus reveals a faith that persists even when expectations are unmet. Despite her disappointment over Lazarus' death, she acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating a deep trust in His identity rather than just His actions. This teaches us the importance of holding onto our faith in who Jesus is, especially when our hopes seem dashed. It challenges us to trust in His character and His promises, even when circumstances are confusing or painful. Martha's faith amidst disappointment encourages us to maintain our belief in Jesus' goodness and sovereignty, regardless of our immediate circumstances. [19:52]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel disappointed or let down. How can you choose to trust in Jesus' character and promises, even when the outcome is not what you expected?
Day 3: The Compassionate Heart of Jesus
Jesus' tears at Lazarus' tomb reveal His deep empathy and compassion. He does not rush to fix the situation but shares in the sorrow of those He loves. This reminds us that it is okay to feel deep emotions and that Jesus is with us in those moments, not demanding that we have it all together. His willingness to weep with Mary and Martha shows that He values our emotional experiences and desires to be present with us in our pain. This narrative encourages us to bring our disappointments and grief to Jesus, knowing that He meets us where we are, without judgment or condemnation. [24:06]
Isaiah 53:3-4 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted."
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past sorrow in your life. How can you invite Jesus to share in that sorrow with you, trusting in His compassionate heart?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Ways
The story of Lazarus encourages us to trust in God's ways, even when we do not understand His timing or methods. Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was part of a greater plan to reveal God's glory. This teaches us to trust in God's character and His ultimate goodness, even when circumstances are confusing. It challenges us to surrender our need for control and to trust that God's plans are higher and better than our own. By trusting in His ways, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is working all things for His glory and our good. [16:21]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you are struggling to understand God's timing or methods. How can you practice surrendering control and trusting in His greater plan today?
Day 5: Encountering God in Our Vulnerability
Jesus' encounter with Mary shows that we do not need to hide our vulnerability from Him. He calls us to come to Him as we are, with all our pain and questions. This encourages us to be honest with God about our struggles, knowing that He desires to meet us in those places and bring healing. By embracing our vulnerability, we open ourselves to experiencing God's presence and love in deeper ways. Jesus invites us to bring our whole selves to Him, trusting that He will meet us with grace and compassion. [26:43]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel vulnerable or broken? How can you bring this to Jesus today, trusting in His desire to meet you with grace and healing?
Quotes
"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask." [00:02:34] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she replied. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come into the world." [00:02:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." [00:03:41] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, See how he loved him. But some of them said, Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?" [00:03:59] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus once more, deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across it. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. Take away the stone, he said." [00:04:12] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me." [00:04:33] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Ac rwy 'n credu 'r peth rwy 'n ei wneud yw pan mae Mary a Martha yn dod at Jesus gyda 'u penderfyniad, nid yw Jesus yn rhoi nhw i ffwrdd a dweud, Wel, gadewch i mi fynd drosodd oherwydd rydw i 'n mynd i adael Lazarus yn un munud. Mewn gwirionedd, mae 'n eu gallu cyhoeddi eu penderfyniad." [00:08:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Rydym ni 'n mynd trwy 'r gynllun ac rydym ni 'n gwybod y bydd y gynllun yn ddiweddar. Ond ni ddim yn gwybod sut mae 'n mynd i ddiweddar. Ni ddim yn gwybod sut y byddwn ni 'n mynd i fynd trwy 'r llythyr. Ni ddim yn gwybod sut y bydd y gynllun yn ddiweddar. Yn ystod hynny, rwyf eisiau rhoi cymorth i ni fod yn iawn i ni fod yn ddiweddar." [00:14:34] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And actually, when all hope is gone, when she's disappointed, when she's hurting, what she can hold onto is, well, I still believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God. And so I'm putting my hope in, not in the Acts, because when stuff doesn't work out how you thought it was going to work out, sometimes you're questioning. And if you only know what God does and he doesn't know, you're not going to be able to do it. And so I'm putting my hope in, not to do what you think he's going to do. Of course, that creates tension." [00:21:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Mary can't even get up. She can't get up to go and meet Jesus. Martha, as soon as she hears Jesus is coming, she's out the door. Mary is so stuck in her grief, in her pain, in her disappointment, she can't even bring herself to go and find Jesus. Jesus still encounters her. And when Jesus calls her name, we were singing about that this morning, Jesus calls Mary's name. He asks for her by name. He knows that she's in pain, that she's hurting. And she says, Mary, it doesn't matter. Come to me. It doesn't matter that you've probably used all the tissues that are left in your house. It doesn't matter that you're a snotty mess. It doesn't matter that you've not been able to eat for three days. Come to me. Come to me. I don't need you to pull yourself together. I don't need you to have words to say. Just come to me. And so Mary comes." [00:22:13] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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