In John 11:32–44, Jesus acknowledges and enters into the grief that comes when loved ones die. He does not rebuke anyone; rather, he feels with them and joins in the mourning even as he knows Lazarus will soon live again. John’s good news isn’t just that Jesus will call forth loved ones from the tomb; it’s also that Jesus sees and participates in our grief and receives our cries after his delayed arrival. He hears the confusion of gathered crowds who wonder at both his love and his apparent abandonment of those who love him.
Rather than rushing us to resurrection, forcing us to joy without seeing and experiencing the pain of real grief, Jesus cries with us beside the tomb and offers prayers on our behalf, reminding us that he remains the one God sent to give us life that overcomes death.
