The Tears of Jesus: Why Did Jesus Really Cry?

In this Sunday message, Rev. Blake Bartlett takes us into the Gospel of John and the story of Lazarus to explore an important question: Why did Jesus really cry?

More Than Tears at a Tomb

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Mary and Martha were grieving. Those around them were weeping. And when Jesus saw their sorrow, He was deeply moved.

Then, Jesus wept.

Those around Him assumed His tears were simply evidence of how much He loved Lazarus. And certainly, Jesus cared deeply for Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. But Blake invites us to look deeper.

Jesus knew what He was about to do. He knew Lazarus would walk out of that tomb.

His concern went beyond the grief of that moment. He wanted the people around Him to believe—to see the glory of God revealed and recognize Jesus for who He truly is.

“I am the resurrection and the life.” — John 11:25

From Unbelief to Faith

Throughout the Gospel of John, miraculous signs continually point beyond the miracle itself. They reveal something about Jesus.

He is the Bread of Life.
He is the Light of the World.
He is the Good Shepherd.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
He is the Resurrection and the Life.

John tells us why these stories were recorded: so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and through believing, have life in His name.

That makes Jesus’ tears especially meaningful. His heart is moved not only by human suffering, but by people who have not yet understood, believed, or discovered the life He offers.

Keep Coming Back to Jesus

Blake’s challenge to us is simple but important: get into the Word and keep coming back to Jesus.

As we read Scripture, we discover more of God’s glory and our own faith grows. And as we know His Word more deeply, we become better prepared to share the hope of Christ with friends, family, and others who may still be struggling with unbelief.

Blake leaves us with a practical challenge: read the Gospel of John. Read it with a hunger to know Jesus more deeply. Let His words strengthen your faith—and prepare you to share that faith with others.

Because ultimately, it all comes back to Jesus.