Do You Not Believe?
by Annagail Lynes

Jesus wept. - John 11:35

The people around Jesus thought that He wept because He loved Lazarus so much.

Only why cry over someone He knows He is going to raise from the dead in a few minutes?

I submit that Jesus didn't cry over Lazarus, that His tears were because of the unbelief of the world.

I believe this because before He wept, He has a conversation with Martha, Lazarus' sister (John 11:21-27).

She complains, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

So isn't she asking Him to raise Lazarus from the dead?

Jesus replies, "Your brother will rise again."

Basically saying "I am going to give you what you are asking for."

She answers, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

No, not at the resurrection, lady. Now.

Only she wasn't grasping the concept. We are like Martha in that some times we can't see our miracle even when it is right in front of us.

She tells Him in verse 27 that she believes He is the Messiah, the Son of God.

Yet she cannot believe that He could do a miracle?

Then Mary, Lazarus' other sister, comes to met him.

This one weeps at his feet. A sign of worship and respect.

Only the same words escape her lips, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (verse 32).

In the background, we have Jews murmuring,"Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" (verse 37.)

I believe that He cried because of the lack of unbelief that surrounded this situation and in the world in general.

Unbelief in Him, in Who He is and what He can do.

There is only one sin that will keep us from Heaven. That sin is unbelief.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household.' - Acts 16:31

It is only by belief in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved, that we will go to Heaven when we die.

I am not convinced that He wept because of Lazarus but because of the lack of unbelief in Martha, Mary, the Jews and, yes, even in us.

He knew that even when He went to the Cross to died for our sin, to take God's full wrath and punishment for it, some still wouldn't believe.

I believe it is knowing that some would still go to Hell rather than choose the free gift of salvation He had to offer, and this is what drove Him to tears.

Annagail Lynes is a pharmacy technician, certified life coach and ordained minister.  She is helping people move forward after trauma by helping them discover their purpose. Follow her blog at 316counseling.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com







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