What is Christmas all about? As we discussed in the last blog, Christmas is about Jesus and celebrating His birth.
As was mentioned in the previous blog as well, Christmas can be full of pressure. I’ll spare you the full list again; however, there are many concerns and cares packed in the few short days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many of us work hard to get everything accomplished with our families, church family, work responsibilities, and in our communities. Gift purchase alone often leads to pressure.
In the midst of all of this, allow this thought to encourage you during your day: Jesus cares.
An Example of Jesus’ Care
I enjoyed this surprising thought while talking with my young son. His assignment was to present his favorite Bible verse to his class and tell why it is his favorite. When I asked him about it at supper, he explained that his favorite was John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” I could see very quickly why he chose this verse — it is the shortest in the Bible! So, I asked him why that verse was important. He admitted that it was just because it was the shortest. I took time then to explain to him the rest of the story.
Lazarus’ sisters send a message to Jesus that Lazarus is sick. When Jesus hears of the sickness, He responds, “When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus then proceeds to wait two days before leaving to see Mary and Martha. He explains it to the disciples when he says, “Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him” (John 11:14-15).
He arrives. Lazarus had been in the tomb four days already. Martha meets him on the way and Jesus talks with her. Martha then leaves to get Mary and they both return. Jesus’ response is two-fold. He is angry because all that are present mourn, as if the resurrection was not assured. Jesus also cries. He sees the deep grief of Mary and Martha, their faith in what He could have done if He had been present, and the general unbelief of the crowd. The Jews, however, misunderstand His response, and Jesus again is grieved by the general unbelief and misunderstanding of the crowd.
After praying, Jesus then raises Lazarus back to life. John records the scene: “Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go’” (John 11:43-44).
Notice How Jesus Responds
First, Jesus demonstrates His love and care, even when we as His people do not understand or, at times, even believe. He sees His two heartbroken friends who love Him. Jesus cares that they hurt and mourn with a general sense of unbelief. So Jesus cries. Interesting response, isn’t it? John makes it clear that Jesus had already determined to raise Lazarus from death. “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” (11:11). So, the end of this story is already known to Jesus. He understands better than anyone present that this moment is getting ready to change from a funeral to a party. Yet, Jesus still hurt because His friends hurt and were weak in faith. The good news for us is that Jesus is no different today. Friends, Jesus cares.
Jesus also points his friends to the truth of the gospel. He shares with Martha initially, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). Even before His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus shares with Martha the ultimate hope each person has, regardless of one’s pressures and hardships. In Jesus, we live. In your current struggle this season, you may be questioning how much Jesus loves and cares for you. My friend, you do not need to look any further than the cross of Jesus Christ to be encouraged by the love and care of Jesus.
The third important way we are reminded of Jesus’ care and concern flows from His prayer to God the Father. He prays, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, …” (John 11:41-42). In His prayer, we are reminded of Jesus’ own communion within the Trinity. The public prayer that Jesus prays here is for Mary, Martha, and the crowd’s benefit — and ultimately ours — to get a glimpse of the intimacy of the relationship between God the Father and Jesus. We are reminded today that we enjoy a relationship with Jesus who cares and is concerned for us. But it doesn’t end there — Jesus communicates that care and concern with the Father in perfect communion in the Trinity.
Jesus Cares for You This Christmas Season
Friends, regardless of what pressure you face today or this Christmas season, remember that Jesus cares. The cross is a permanent reminder set in the ages of history as to the care and concern that Jesus has for you. He does not consider your pressures without care. Jesus offers us help in our suffering (Hebrews 2:18). Jesus welcomes you to bring your concerns, fears, questions, and heaviness to Him today in order that you will receive both mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). In the middle of your chaos today and this season, take a minute to reflect on the wonderful love and care that Jesus has for you.
Image Credit David Beale
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