A Prayer about Jesus’ Tears
A Prayer about Jesus’ Tears
Jesus wept. John 11:35
Compassionate Lord,
Even though the day most people exchange gifts
has come and gone,
or maybe especially because that day
has come and gone, it’s a good time
to contemplate this baby in the manger.
Many of us love the Christmas lullaby
“Away in a Manger,”
but I do think the authors got one thing wrong:
“The little Lord Jesus,
no crying he makes….”
That can’t be right.
Babies cry.
They express their need for food,
clean diapers,
and sleep
by crying.
Jesus was fully human,
and he likely cried when he was a baby,
especially if cows were mooing in his ear.
Heavenly Father, may we never forget Jesus’ true humanity,
but also may we believe in his deep sympathy,
his passion for and with us.
Not only did he cry as a baby,
he wept as a man
over his friend Lazarus’ death.
He came to reverse the curse of sin
by submitting to death on a cross.
He sweated blood
as he agonized in the garden
over his impending death.
Yes, Lord, Jesus wept.
May we affirm the cries of the baby Jesus
and may we trace the tears of our Savior.
In his sacrificial name we pray. Amen.
Read John 11:28-44; Luke 22:39-46.
