John 11:28-37

John 11:28-37
English Standard Version (ESV)

  We do not worship a God who is removed from our situation, who doesn't understand what it's like to be human.  We worship a God who willingly enters into our humanity, taking on human flesh but also human emotions, and endures temptation and suffering, grasping the heights and depths of human experience.  When you are suffering, Jesus understands and is moved in spirit, greatly troubled by what you are going through.  Jesus has deep relationships -- and their grief is shared. 
  Notice Mary's reaction isn't criticized.  In the depths of her grief, she's clearly frustrated that Jesus didn't come immediately.  It's been days, and they heard no word from him, instead sitting in the midst of their darkness, and they know Jesus had the power to heal him.  And so she asks the big question that we all ask at times, and there is not rebuke for the question, but rather empathy for the grief. 
  You are never alone in your grief.  The same Jesus who wept with Mary and Martha is troubled by our grief today.  When we weep, we do not weep alone.  The church is often at its best when it responds with tender care for those wrapped in the mantle of suffering -- there is no need to stand alone at these times, but church members should come alongside and remind one another that we do not ever wander the path of discipleship alone.