1-3. What things can make us cry?
When was the last time you cried? Sometimes we cry with joy; but almost always what makes us cry is sadness. For example, our tears may be due to the death of a loved one. A sister from the United States named Lorilei* said: “At times, the pain of my daughter's death was so intense that it seemed that nothing could comfort me. She was so heartbroken that she didn't even know how she was still beating."
There may be other things that make us cry. A pioneer from Japan named Hiromi said: “Sometimes I get discouraged by the indifference of the people in the territory, and with tears in my eyes, I ask Jehovah to help me find someone who wants to find out the truth.”
Isn't it true that sometimes many of us feel the same as these sisters? (1 Pet. 5:9). Our desire is to serve Jehovah with joy, but we may do so with tears due to grief over the death of a loved one, discouragement, or a difficult situation that tests our loyalty to God.—Ps. 6:6; 100:2 ). What can we do when we feel this way?
4. What are we going to analyze in this article?
The example of Jesus can help us. He sometimes felt emotions so intense that “tears came to his eyes” (John 11:35; Luke 19:41; 22:44; Heb. 5:7). In this article, we are going to analyze those occasions in which he cried. We will see what his tears teach us about him and about Jehovah , and also what we can do when we go through situations that make us cry.
HE CRIED FOR HIS FRIENDS
5. What does the account at John 11:32-36 teach us about Jesus?
At the end of AD 32, a good friend of Jesus named Lazarus fell ill and died (John 11:3, 14). Jesus loved him and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, very much. They were heartbroken at the loss of their beloved brother. After Lazarus died, Jesus traveled to Bethany, the town where Mary and Martha lived. When Martha heard that Jesus was on his way, she ran out to meet her. Imagine the deep sadness with which she said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Shortly afterward, when Jesus saw Mary and others crying, “tears came to his eyes” (read John 11:32-36).
6. Why did Jesus cry on that occasion?
Why did Jesus cry on that occasion? Insight on the Scriptures explains: “The death of his friend Lazarus and the grief of his sisters caused him to 'moan and give way to tears.'” Jesus may have been thinking of the pain his dear friend Lazarus suffered during his illness and how he felt when he realized that he was soon to die. He is sure that he also cried when he saw how sad María and Marta were because of the death of his brother. If you have lost a close friend or family member to death, no doubt you have felt something similar. Let's look at three lessons this account teaches us.
7. What do the tears that Jesus shed for his friends teach us about Jehovah?
Jehovah understands how you feel. Jesus is “the exact representation” of God (Heb. 1:3). His tears reflected what his Father feels about him (John 14:9). If you are grieving the death of a loved one, you can be sure that Jehovah is not only aware of his sadness, but also shares his pain. He wants to heal his broken heart (Ps. 34:18; 147:3).
8. Why can we be sure that Jesus will resurrect our loved ones?
Jesus wants to resurrect his loved ones. Shortly before crying, Jesus assured Martha: "Your brother will rise." And Martha believed him (John 11:23-27). Since she worshiped Jehovah, she knew that the prophets Elijah and Elisha had resurrected some people in the past (1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37). And she also very likely had heard of the resurrections that Jesus had performed (Luke 7:11-15; 8:41, 42, 49-56). Similarly, you can be sure that he will see again his loved ones who have died. The tears that Jesus shed in comforting his friends teach us that he sincerely desires to resurrect those who have died.
9. Like Jesus, how can you support those who are grieving? Give an example.
You can support those who are grieving. Jesus not only wept with Martha and Mary, but he also listened to them and gave them words of comfort. We can do the same for those who have lost a loved one. Dan, an elderly man living in Australia, says: “After my wife died, I needed help. Several married couples offered to listen to me at any time. They let me vent, and my tears didn't make them feel uncomfortable. And, when I didn't feel up to it, they also offered to help me with some chores, like washing the car, going to the grocery store, and cooking. And they often prayed with me. They proved to be true friends and brothers 'in times of trouble'” (Prov. 17:17).
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. Jesus cries together with Mary, Martha and other people. 2. Two elders comfort a sister who has suffered the death of a family member.
Let us support those who are grieving, just as Jesus did. (See paragraphs 5 to 9). *
HE CRIED FOR HIS NEIGHBOR
10. What event is related in Luke 19:36-40?
On Nisan 9, 33 AD, Jesus went to Jerusalem. As he approached the city, a crowd gathered, and people spread cloaks on the road as he passed to show their acceptance of him as King. It was certainly a joyous occasion (read Luke 19:36-40). So surely his disciples were surprised to see what Jesus did next: "When he came near the city and saw her, he wept for her." With tears in his eyes, Jesus predicted the terrible future that awaited the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44).
11. Why did Jesus cry for the inhabitants of Jerusalem?
Jesus was very sad because he knew that despite such a joyful reception, most of the Jews would not accept the Kingdom message. For that reason, Jerusalem would be destroyed and the surviving Jews would be taken prisoner (Luke 21:20-24). Unfortunately, just as Jesus had predicted, most people rejected him. How do people generally respond to the Kingdom message in the area where you live? If despite your efforts to teach them the truth few respond favorably, what can you learn from the tears of Jesus? Let's look at three lessons.
12. What do the tears that Jesus shed for his neighbor teach us about Jehovah?
Jehovah loves people. Jesus' tears remind us of how much Jehovah cares for people. “He does not desire that any should be destroyed, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). We show that we love our neighbor by willingly continuing to strive for the good news to reach his heart (Matt. 22:39). *
13, 14. (a) How did Jesus show compassion for people? b) How can we demonstrate that quality?
Jesus put a lot of effort into the ministry. Because he loved people, he took every opportunity to teach them (Luke 19:47, 48). The compassion he felt for them compelled him to do so. Sometimes there were so many people who wanted to hear his teachings that he and his disciples “couldn't even eat” (Mark 3:20). And when a man came to see him at night, Jesus was willing to converse with him (John 3:1, 2). It is true that most of the people who listened to Jesus did not become his disciples, but all of them received a complete testimony. Today, we want to give everyone a chance to hear the good news (Acts 10:42). To achieve this, we may have to make some changes in our ministry.
Be willing to make the necessary changes. If we always preach at the same times, we may not find those who would like to hear the good news. A pioneer named Matilda relates: “My husband and I try to preach at different times. Early in the morning, we preach in business. At noon, when there are many people on the street, we use the carts. And later in the day we managed to find more people in their homes.” Instead of choosing a time that suits us, let's preach at times when we are most likely to find people. If we do, we can be sure that Jehovah will be very happy.
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. Jesus teaches Nicodemus at night. 2. A brother gives Bible lessons to a supermarket clerk at night.
Let's adapt our preaching schedule, just as Jesus did. (See paragraphs 13 and 14). *
HE WEPT FOR THE VINDICATION OF HIS FATHER'S NAME
15. What did Jesus do the night before he died, as we read in Luke 22:39-44?
Late on the night of Nisan 14, 33 AD, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane and there He poured out His heart to Jehovah (read Luke 22:39-44). In those difficult times, he “offered petitions…with loud cries and tears” (Heb. 5:7). What did Jesus ask for that night before he died? He asked Jehovah to give him strength to remain loyal and to do his will. Jehovah heard the fervent prayer of his Son and sent an angel to strengthen him.
16. Why was Jesus distressed while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane?
No doubt Jesus wept as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane because he was distressed by the thought that people thought he had blasphemed God. He was also aware of the enormous responsibility he had: to vindicate or defend his Father's name. If you are going through a difficult situation that tests your loyalty to Jehovah, what can you learn from the tears of Jesus? We are going to see three lessons.
17. What does the fact that he answered Jesus' earnest prayers teach us about Jehovah?
Jehovah listens to your requests. Jehovah listened to the intense pleas of his Son. Why? Because the most important thing for Jesus was to remain loyal to his Father and defend his name. If the most important thing for us is to remain loyal to Jehovah and defend his name, he will answer us when we ask him for help (Ps. 145:18, 19).
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. Jesus prays as an angel arrives to strengthen him. 2. A brother who is in a cell prays while a jailer watches him.
Let us ask Jehovah for help when we are distressed, just as Jesus did. (See paragraphs 15 to 17). *
18. Why do we say that Jesus is an understanding friend?
Jesus understands what you feel. When we are distressed, we are happy to have an understanding friend, especially one who has been through similar problems. Well, Jesus is that friend. He knows what it's like to feel weak and need help. He also knows how we are made and will see to it that we receive support “just in time” needed (Heb. 4:15, 16). Just as Jesus accepted the help of an angel in the Garden of Gethsemane, we must be willing to accept the help that Jehovah gives us, whether it is through a publication, a video, a talk, or an encouraging visit from an elder or a friend. a mature friend.
19. What will strengthen you if you are going through a difficult situation? Give an example.
Jehovah will give him his peace. How will Jehovah strengthen us? When we pray, we receive “the peace of God, which is beyond what any human being can understand” (Phil. 4:6, 7). The peace that Jehovah gives us calms our hearts and helps us think clearly. This was what a sister named Luz felt. She says: “Sometimes I feel lonely, and those feelings make me think that Jehovah does not love me. But in those moments I immediately tell Jehovah how I feel. Thanks to prayer, I can control my emotions.” As Luz's experience shows, prayer helps us feel peace.
20. What lessons have we learned from the tears of Jesus?
The lessons we have learned from the tears of Jesus comfort us and help us a lot. His tears remind us to support our friends who are grieving and to trust that Jehovah and Jesus will support us when we lose a loved one. They also motivate us to preach and teach with compassion because Jehovah and Jesus exemplify this precious quality. And his tears comfort us because they are proof that Jehovah and his dear Son understand what we feel, understand our weaknesses and want to help us endure. Let us continue to apply all that we have learned until the day comes when Jehovah fulfills this wonderful promise: “He will wipe away every tear from his eyes” (Rev. 21:4).
WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM JESUS IN THE FOLLOWING STORIES?
John 11:35
The book Insight on the Scriptures explains: “The death of his friend Lazarus and the grief of the deceased's sisters caused him to 'moan and give way to tears'”. Jesus may have been thinking of the pain his dear friend Lazarus suffered during his illness and how he felt when he realized that he was soon to die. If you have lost a close friend or family member to death, no doubt you have felt something similar.
Luke 19:41
We often see Jesus full of longing for the people he meets, both the sick and the sinners who come before him, and they are invited to acknowledge their integrity before God. Here He looks at the city of Jerusalem and prays for this people, wishing that they can receive what God is offering. If I consider how Jesus looks at me, I realize that He longs for my growth, so that I can accept all the possibilities that God offers me daily.
Luke 22:44; Hebrews 5:7
When we go through difficult times we have to ask Jehovah for strength, he will help us and not leave us alone. Jehovah will hear our prayers.
Comments
Post a Comment