WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES

Have you lost a loved one in death? The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to go to God's Word for comfort.  (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)  The Bible helps  us to understand how Jehovah and Jesus feel about death.  Jesus, who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death.  (John 14:9)  When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus used to visit Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in the nearby town of Bethany.  They became close friends. The Bible says: "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus."  (John 11:5) As we learned in the preceding chapter, though, Lazarus died. 

How did Jesus feel about losing his friend?  The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarus' relatives and friends as they grieved over the loss.  Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He "groaned in the spirit and became troubled."  Then, the account says, "Jesus gave way to tears."  (John 11:33, 35)   Did Jesus' grief mean that he had no hope?  Not at all.  In fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen.  (John 11:3, 4)  Still, he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings. 

In a way, Jesus' grief is encouraging to us. It teaches us that Jesus and his Father, Jehovah,  hate death.  But  Jehovah God is able to fight and overcome that enemy! Let us see what God enabled Jesus to do. 

Next time: "LAZARUS, COME OUT"

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really  Teach?  2005 and 2006