Jesus is often seen as a figure of strength and love, but He was also deeply human. There are moments in the Bible where we see Him express deep emotions, including sadness. One of the most powerful images is when Jesus cries, showing that He understands our pain and struggles. These moments remind us that even the strongest people have feelings and face hard times.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that talk about Jesus crying. These verses help us see His compassion for others and His heartache over the suffering in the world. By understanding these moments, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus cares about our own tears and struggles.
Bible Verses About Jesus Crying
Jesus Weeping for His People
As we explore the moments when Jesus cried, we are reminded of His deep love and concern for His people. The instances of Jesus weeping show us that He felt our pain and sorrow. He stands with us in our suffering, and His tears reflect that profound empathy. These moments should inspire us to show compassion for others as well. We are called to emulate the love of Christ, caring for our neighbors in times of distress.
John 11:35
“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it carries immense weight. When Jesus wept, it was in response to the death of His dear friend Lazarus. This shows us that Jesus was deeply moved by the pain of loss. His tears remind us that it’s okay to grieve and express our emotions. We can find solace in knowing that Jesus understands our heartaches.
Luke 19:41
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” – Luke 19:41
Here, Jesus cries not only for a city but for a people who reject Him. His sorrow reflects His desire for everyone to know Him and His love. We can learn from His example to engage with those around us compassionately, knowing that not everyone accepts the love of God. Jesus’s tears show us the importance of reaching out to those who might be hurting.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37
This verse expresses Jesus’s longing and sadness for the people of Jerusalem. He desires to protect and nurture them but faces rejection. Our hearts should mirror His compassion, reaching out to those who struggle to find their way. Jesus’s heartfelt lament teaches us to reflect on our willingness to accept His embrace and love.
Mark 14:34
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” – Mark 14:34
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus reveals His deep anguish before His crucifixion. This moment shows us His vulnerability and the heavy burden He carried for humanity. It reminds us that we, too, can experience overwhelming emotions, and it’s okay to share those feelings with God and others. Our sorrow can lead us closer to Him.
Hebrews 5:7
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” – Hebrews 5:7
This verse emphasizes the intensity of Jesus’s prayers and His reliance on God even amidst suffering. His crying wasn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it showcases His humanity and deep connection with His Father. Jesus models for us the power of praying earnestly in moments of despair, encouraging us to bring our concerns before God.
Jesus Crying Over Sin
In moments when Jesus cried over sin, we see His heart break for humanity’s disobedience and the consequences it brings. Jesus’s tears are a poignant reminder of His love for us and His desire for us to choose righteousness. They call us to examine our own lives and to turn away from sin, striving to live a life that honors Him and brings healing to our world.
Matthew 26:75
“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75
This verse captures Peter’s anguish upon realizing his denial of Jesus. Although it describes Peter’s sorrow rather than Jesus’s, we can imagine Jesus’s heartache as He witnessed His followers falling short. This reminds us that our sins affect not only us but also the relationships we treasure. Jesus weeps for our wayward paths and yearns for our return.
Luke 22:62
“And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Luke 22:62
Again, we witness Peter’s profound sorrow at his denial of Christ. While this verse reflects Peter’s pain, it also signals how closely Jesus is intertwined with our lives. His heart breaks when we stray, reminding us to seek His forgiveness and grace. Recognizing our failures helps us to rely on God’s strength to overcome our weaknesses.
John 8:10-11
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.'” – John 8:10-11
In this interaction, we see Jesus offering grace to a woman caught in sin. His response reflects His desire for her to turn away from sin and embrace new life. Jesus’s tears could represent His sorrow over her plight. When we sin, He longs for us to come to Him, not in fear but in hopes of redemption. We can find healing in His acceptance and love.
Ezekiel 18:32
“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” – Ezekiel 18:32
This verse illustrates God’s heart toward humanity. While it predates Jesus’s earthly ministry, it reflects the same sentiment. Jesus cries for those who choose a path leading away from Him. God’s call to repentance is an invitation to life. We can take comfort in knowing that God desires for us to turn toward Him, and He rejoices when we do.
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'” – Revelation 21:4
This verse gives us hope for a future without tears in a world restored by God. It reassures us that Jesus’s tears are temporary, focusing on the ultimate victory over sin and suffering. His tears during His time on earth serve as a precursor to His promise of a renewed creation. We should find encouragement in knowing that one day our sadness will give way to everlasting joy.
Jesus Crying at Unbelief
As we witness Jesus crying at the unbelief of those around Him, we see how much He desires faith from His followers. His tears in these moments echo a longing for people to trust in Him fully. Jesus’s sorrow invites us to reflect on our own faith journey, encouraging us to move toward deeper trust in Him and His promises.
John 5:39-40
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5:39-40
In this verse, Jesus addresses the religious leaders who are focusing on the law rather than recognizing Him as the fulfillment of the Scriptures. His tears reflect His frustration and heartache over their unbelief. It challenges us to scrutinize our reliance on our understanding rather than true faith in Jesus as the source of life. We must approach Him with open hearts.
Luke 7:9
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.'” – Luke 7:9
This passage reflects Jesus’s surprise at the faith of a Gentile centurion, showing that genuine faith can emerge from unexpected places. It contrasts with the disbelief from many in Israel. Jesus’s tears stem from a mix of amazement and sorrow, yearning for more people to recognize His authority. We are reminded to have faith that transcends barriers.
Matthew 11:20
“Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.” – Matthew 11:20
Here, Jesus laments over the towns that witnessed His miracles yet still turned away from Him. His sorrow serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting Him. We are called to reflect on our responses to His work in our lives and ensure that we actively engage with His miracles, not turning our backs on His goodness.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37
In this verse, Jesus laments over Jerusalem again, expressing sorrow for their refusal to accept Him. His desire to gather them under His wings symbolizes His longing for protection and comfort. It challenges us to recognize areas of resistance within our own hearts, inviting us to surrender and embrace His guidance and love.
Mark 10:21
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” – Mark 10:21
This interaction with the rich young ruler showcases Jesus’s love, yet His sorrow at the man’s inability to let go of his wealth. It reflects how worldly attachments can prevent us from following Him wholeheartedly. Jesus’s tears encourage us to evaluate what holds us back and to place our trust fully in His promises.
The Compassion of Jesus
The compassion of Jesus is a repeating theme that resonates throughout Scripture. His tears serve as a reflection of His heart for humanity, reminding us that He deeply cares about our pain and struggles. We are encouraged to embody this compassion, opening our hearts to love and serve others in times of need. Jesus’s tears motivate us to be instruments of His grace and kindness.
Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
Here, we see Jesus moved by compassion for the crowd. His tears were a testament to His empathy, and He acted to provide healing. This teaches us that compassion should prompt us into action, whether through prayer, support, or tangible help. Following Jesus’s example encourages us to take care of those around us.
Matthew 20:34
“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” – Matthew 20:34
In this story, Jesus’s compassion leads Him to heal two blind men. His act demonstrates that true compassion goes beyond feelings; it requires action. We are called to be advocates for those in need, showing love without hesitation. Jesus’s tears remind us to embrace empathy and uplift those who are suffering.
Luke 7:13
“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.'” – Luke 7:13
In this moment, Jesus encounters a widow grieving her son. His compassion is evident, and He comforts her before performing a miracle. We, too, should respond to the suffering of others with heart and action. Jesus encourages us to not only acknowledge the pain around us but to also bring hope, support, and comfort.
John 11:33
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” – John 11:33
When Jesus sees Mary’s despair, His compassion wells up within Him. He understands the weight of grief, reminding us that it’s okay to express sorrow alongside others. Genuine compassion grows from shared suffering. We should strive to walk alongside those who grieve, offering support and understanding.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
This verse encapsulates the essence of compassion. We are called to empathize with the joys and sorrows of others, following Jesus’s example. His tears challenge us to connect with those around us and share in their experiences. Building true community means standing in both happiness and sorrow, which leads to deeper relationships.
Jesus Crying at Death and Grief
In moments of death and grief, we see Jesus openly weeping. His tears demonstrate that He, too, understands the pain of loss. While Jesus is the giver of life, He still experiences the weight of mortality. This teaches us that grief is a natural part of our lives, and Jesus invites us to bring our feelings of loss to Him.
John 11:33-35
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Jesus wept.” – John 11:33-35
In this vital passage, we witness Jesus crying alongside the mourners at Lazarus’s grave. It highlights the reality of human grief. Jesus’s emotion encourages us to express our sorrows openly, without fear. Mourning is an essential part of our healing process, and it allows us to connect with Jesus more deeply in our pain.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
This verse assures us that mourning is not the end. Instead, God promises comfort to those who grieve. It encourages us to understand that Jesus is with us even in our pain. When we cry out to Him, we can trust that He will envelop us with His comfort, helping us to find hope amidst our sorrows.
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'” – Revelation 21:4
Again, we see God’s promise for a future without sorrow. Jesus’s tears remind us of the temporary nature of our grief, highlighting the hope we have in Him. Death may bring pain today, but His ultimate victory over it ensures that there will come a time when our tears will be wiped away forever. We should hold on to that hope.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
This passage reminds us that God is the source of all comfort. Jesus shows us that He cares deeply for those who are hurting. We can rely on Him to grant us peace in times of grief. He offers comfort not only to us but also enables us to provide comfort to others. Our experiences allow us to walk alongside those who mourn.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
This verse reassures us that God is near to us in our deepest sorrow. It echoes Jesus’s tears, reminding us that He understands our grief. When we feel brokenhearted, He is there to support us. We can take comfort in knowing that His love surrounds us, and in our darkest moments, we are never alone.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the moments when Jesus cried helps us to connect with His humanity. His tears serve as a reminder of His deep compassion and understanding of our struggles. We see that He cares deeply about our pain, and in His lament, we learn the importance of expressing our emotions and reaching out to others. Jesus’s examples urge us to show empathy toward those who suffer, offering comfort and love in their times of need.
Through these verses, we recognize that it is okay for us to feel grief and sorrow. Jesus invites us to share our tears with Him. Just as He offered compassion during His time on earth, we are called to do the same for those around us. Let’s allow His heart of love to guide our actions, supporting one another and demonstrating the kindness that reflects our Savior.
If you’re looking for more inspiring topics, check out this link about Jesus Being Human and Divine, or explore the Compassion of Jesus.