December 23

Why Weepest Thou?

“Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” — John 20:15 BSB

There was no real reason for Mary to weep, because the one she mourned as dead was alive. Doesn’t Jesus ask the same question today to many of us, “Why are you weeping?” Of course, it’s natural to shed tears when a dear friend is taken from us, and there is nothing wrong with such tears. Even Jesus wept at the grave of His friend, whom He was about to raise to life.

But for many, grief over the loss of loved ones can be filled with rebellion and disbelief. When a Christian dies, they go to be with the Lord. How can we weep for them? Death is, for them, a glorious gain. Should we cry because they are now with Christ, in eternal joy and peace? Should we mourn because they’ve left behind all their pain and suffering, and have been lifted to a place in God’s palace? Should we blame God, shedding bitter, rebellious tears because He took one of His own children from us? Does God make mistakes? Are we not certain of His love? Did He come to us in anger and cause us grief? Or should we trust that this sorrow, as heavy as it may seem, is truly God’s kindness to both us and the one He has taken to Himself? Is it not wrong for us to grieve without a spirit of submission and trust in God’s will?

A mother might lead her children to their beds at night, knowing they are safe and loved. Christ, the Good Shepherd, carries our loved ones to their eternal rest. And that is best.

Grief is often selfish. We struggle to understand why we were stricken more than others. Yet we can trust that God, in His infinite love and wisdom, has done the best for all of us.