November 19, 2025
Daily Devotional:
“A Tear for the Soul”
John 11:35
"Jesus wept."
This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it is arguably one of the most profound. It appears during the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary—Jesus's dear friends. Lazarus has died. When Jesus arrives, he sees Mary and the Jewish people mourning, and the text says, "He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled" (John 11:33). Then, in the presence of overwhelming human sorrow, Jesus does something remarkable: He weeps.
This tear is not a mere display of sympathy, but a profound demonstration of God's perfect humanity. This single act of empathy reveals beyond the two worded verse.
Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. His tears weren't for the finality of death, but for the pain and grief of His loved ones in that moment. He shared our sorrows in times of grief. It shows that our Savior is not a distant, stoic deity, but one who fully enters into the brokenness and pain of human experience.
He Valued Human Love, His tears were an acknowledgment of the preciousness of human life and the deep bond of friendship He shared with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. His love was genuine and personal. By weeping, Jesus effectively tells us that sorrow and grief are not signs of weakness or lack of faith; they are a natural, human, and even holy response to loss and pain. We are given permission to mourn.
Do you ever feel like you have to be strong all the time, or that God can’t handle your true feelings of sadness, fear, or frustration?
The shortest verse in the Bible gives you the profound answer: He can. The God who created the universe stopped, and for a moment, simply shared the tears of those He loved. Your pain matters to Him.
Today, take a moment to be honest with God about any pain, grief, or frustration you are carrying. Don't hide your tears from Him. If you are grieving: Rest in the knowledge that Jesus understands your deep sorrow and wept for similarhuman pain. If you are numb: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you feel God's presence and empathy in your situation.