Real Men Do Cry - Jesus And Lazarus

Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!”

John 11:35-36

Did you know that crying can be good for you?

Research suggests that tears of emotion—as opposed to the kind you get in a smoky room or when you slice onions—can rid the body of harmful chemicals built up during times of nervous tension. Some researchers also believe that men are more prone to stress-related illness when they resist crying.

Jesus was never afraid to show his emotions. He was able to weep when appropriate, as it was when he visited the town of Bethany following the death of his close friend, Lazarus.

Jesus knew how the saga of Lazarus’s death would end that day. Before he ever arrived in Bethany, he knew that people would witness a spectacular miracle and that his dear friend Lazarus would live again. Yet he cried as he approached his friend’s tomb.

Did Jesus cry because he saw and felt others’ pain that day? Was he grieved and angry that death had invaded his dear friends’ lives? Was he disappointed that the people of Bethany lacked faith?

Whatever the reason for his tears, Jesus remained the perfect man throughout this incident. He was perfect in love, holiness, and his ability to express emotion.

If the only perfect man who ever lived was not ashamed to show his emotions, even to the point of shedding tears, might you consider showing some emotion to those closest to you?

Although many people around you—especially your family—look to you as a source of stability and strength, they also need to see you express what’s in your heart. Be the strong leader God calls you to be, and don’t be afraid to follow Jesus’ perfect example by showing genuine emotion to those you love.