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Hurt. Disappointment. Anger. Confusion. Fear. Mary was probably feeling all those emotions following the death of her brother Lazarus. She made her way to Jesus, fell at his feet, and let him know exactly what was on her mind. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). Those words were spoken with tears running down her cheeks and between the loud sobs of grief.

John 11:33
When Jesus saw [Mary] weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.

Jesus knows everything from start to finish. He knew that in a short time, Lazarus would be raised, and Mary would be crying tears of joy! But Jesus always engages with us right where we are. He was intensely moved and distressed by Mary’s pain.

Jesus knows that all things will end well for those who follow him. One day we will pass from death to life and enjoy him forever. But that doesn’t keep him from engaging in your pain today. Jesus offers us a future, and he works in our present. He sympathizes with our weaknesses and is there to meet the crying need of our hearts.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternity. And thank you for meeting us right where we are today. Thank you for walking through every challenge with us. In your name, we pray. Amen.