There’s a Swedish folksong that became popular among Swedish immigrants in the American upper Midwest. It would have had particular meaning for early Scandinavian immigrants singing of leaving their homeland, although the theme of the text is broadly applicable for other “partings” as well.
Who can sail without the wind?
Who can row without oars?
Who can leave a parting friend, without shedding tears?
As I mentioned at our final choir dinner and again for the patio reception my last Sunday, the older I get the more I weep. Having been reared in the deep south, crying for a man is to be reserved for the most serious of solemn occasions and even then, shed discreetly. However, the Bible shows us a very different approach to weeping and Jesus is our model! In John’s Gospel we read that Jesus wept. This verse occurs in John's narrative of the death of Lazarus of Bethany, a follower of Jesus. Lazarus's sisters—Mary and Martha—sent word to Jesus of their brother's illness and impending death, but Jesus arrived four days after Lazarus died. Jesus, after talking to the grieving sisters and seeing Lazarus's friends weeping, was deeply troubled and moved. After asking where Lazarus had been laid, and being invited to come to see, Jesus wept. He then went to the tomb and told the people to remove the stone covering it, prayed aloud to His Father, and ordered Lazarus to come out, resuscitated.
What can we learn about Jesus’ emotional responses to His friends and how can we take comfort? Martha, upon learning of Jesus’ arrival, hurries to meet Him and, “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” Jesus’ response comforts but is not wholly comprehended by her. “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” Jesus will soon raise Lazarus from the dead, leading many to recognize Him as the Son of God and others, lacking faith, to turn away.
But there is a second lesson here when we consider that everything Jesus did in life was done with a purpose. And this time He is also challenging culturally constructed gender roles. The Savior of the world, and not on this occasion alone, openly weeps. His simple act validates and legitimizes men who feel and express emotion.
In today’s world, gender often dictates that women act as nurturers, are kind and tender, are weak and emotional. Men are compelled to be strong, tough, unemotional, assertive, and forceful. The world is suspicious of men who publicly cry or who show emotion. These are, of course, generalities that do not apply in all communities and all situations. But such views are widespread. Jesus Christ presents a stark contrast. He is compassionate, caring, nurturing, considerate, and yet He is also strong and capable. He cries and He does so without apology on a number of occasions. We have to consider why “Jesus wept,” and what He intends us to understand.
The past four years have given me ample opportunity to building long-lasting relationships, expand musical offerings, be stretched professionally, and have enough reasons to weep for joy to last a lifetime. My prayer for us all is that we move through life being more sensitive to all that is around us. Let us be more sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, to nature, to our relationships, and to what makes us truly happy! Thank you Pinnacle for helping make me more sensitive. And, if you happen to weep, remember that Jesus thinks that’s okay!
Much Love and Respect,
David
