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In our memory, heart, and mind, loved ones never die. It is something that can never be completely forgotten.

So it was also, with Jesus.

There are times in everyone’s life when death strikes. Seldom is it anticipated, unless someone has endured a long illness, And when a friend or a someone well known to us dies, there is sadness that can be inexpressible.

There is recorded in the life of Jesus when He dwelled on earth that has seemed somewhat strange to some.

When Jesus heard of the death of one near to him, he was sorrowed and wept in sympathy for the relatives of one who died. He was sorrowed because of their sorrow. He had sorrow for some because of apparent unbelief, but also because He had empathy and hurt because they hurt.

Jesus was both human and divine. As One also in the flesh as they were, and He was God in the same flesh as they were and shared their sorrow with them. Notice:

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves those such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken.” - Psalm 34:18-20 (Book Of Job)

Jesus shared their sorrow. And so does He ours.

Notice this event in Jesus' life:

“Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

“Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.”

Perhaps some have wondered, why would Jesus weep? First, Jesus was human. But He was also God. Notice Jesus’ empathy for the relatives of one who had just died: “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

“Where have you laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!” (See context in John 11).

Later Jesus raised Lazarus from death. But Jesus, being both human and divine, felt both sides of what we know as death. He understands every emotion, feeling, sorrow, despair, and seemingly unbearable grief. He experienced all the feelings we have, and much more on the cross.

Jesus willingly experienced sorrows and death for us. He experienced every emotion. Let us remember that if a loved one dies as a believer in Jesus Christ, they and all who believe in Him, will be raised to life - only they will then live forever and never die again…

For many, things will never be the same. In the meantime, its OK to grieve for them… and for ourselves.

Jesus did.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word