DAILY TEXT, From today Saturday February 25,  Your brother will rise (John 11:23).

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Saturday February 25

Your brother will rise (John 11:23).

You can be sure that you will see your loved ones who have died again. The tears that Jesus shed while comforting his friends teach us that he earnestly desires to resurrect those who have died (John 11:35). You can support those who are grieving. Jesus not only wept with Martha and Mary, but also listened to them and gave them words of comfort (John 11:25-27). 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 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 do 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). w22.01 3:8, 9.

What does the account in John 11:32-36 teach us about Jesus?

At the end of the year 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 over the loss of their beloved brother. After Lazarus died, Jesus traveled to Bethany, the town where Mary and Martha lived. When Martha found out that Jesus was on his way, she ran out to meet her. Imagine the deep sadness with which she told him: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Shortly thereafter, when Jesus saw Mary and others crying, “tears came to his eyes” (see John 11:32-36).

Why did Jesus weep on that occasion?

Why did Jesus weep on that occasion? Insight on the Scriptures explains: “The death of his friend Lazarus and the grief of the deceased's sisters caused him to 'moan and yield to tears.'” It is possible that Jesus was 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 was 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 good friend or family member in death, you will no doubt have felt something similar. Let's look at three lessons this story teaches us.

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 (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 grief. He desires to heal his broken heart (Ps. 34:18; 147:3).

What event is recorded in Luke 19:36-40?

10 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 that they accepted 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 it, he wept for it." With tears in his eyes, Jesus predicted the terrible future that awaited the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44).

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