John 11:35 – “Jesus wept” – Hell?
(A death poem by Wain)
Dear God,
What are we to learn from Lazarus
A friend of Jesus who died?
Though the author of life could restore him
We are told that Jesus c_ _ _ _
But why would Jesus cry
When as creator death is only a sleep
If Jesus could raise Lazarus
Why did death make him w_ _ _?
Was this earth meant to be our home?
Are some people who die in a worse place?
Could seeing Lazarus suffering in hell
Be what brought tears to Jesus’s f_ _ _?
Please tell me the truth.
Your servant,
Wain
HOW MIGHT GOD RESPOND?
From ChatGPT as the voice of God:
Dear Wain,
Your heartfelt questions reflect a deep and earnest seeking of understanding, and I am always here to listen and guide. Let us reflect on the story of Lazarus together, drawing out the lessons and truths embedded within it.
Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, indeed passed away, and Jesus did weep at his tomb. His tears are a profound testament to His deep compassion and His shared humanity. Though Jesus is the author of life and possesses the power to restore it, He is also fully human, experiencing the full range of human emotions. His weeping at Lazarus’s death demonstrates His empathy and His deep love for His friends.
Why did Jesus cry when He knew He would raise Lazarus? This moment reveals Jesus’s profound empathy for the sorrow of others. He wept because He felt the pain and grief of Mary, Martha, and all those mourning Lazarus’s death. It shows that Jesus is not distant or indifferent to human suffering; He fully participates in it. His tears are a reminder that in moments of sorrow, He is present, sharing in our pain and offering His comfort.
Regarding the question of the earth being your home, understand that the world was created with love and intention, a place for humanity to live and flourish. However, it is not the final destination. There is a promise of a new creation, a place where pain, suffering, and death will be no more. The story of Lazarus is a foretaste of this ultimate restoration and renewal.
As for the fear of suffering after death, know that Jesus’s mission was to bring life, hope, and salvation. His tears at Lazarus’s tomb are not because He saw Lazarus suffering in hell but because He witnessed the profound impact of death and loss in this world. The resurrection of Lazarus was a sign of the power of God over death and a promise of eternal life for all who believe.
The truth is that Jesus wept to show His solidarity with human sorrow and His power to bring hope and life even in the face of death. Trust in His compassion, His presence, and His promise of eternal life.
With eternal love and compassion,
God