Lazarus died.

Because Jesus waited.

And twice, once from each sister, Jesus heard that Lazarus would not have died had He been there.

Martha, Mary, the people — crying.

When Jesus saw, He was deeply affected — “He was roiled in spirit, and was moved” (John 11:33, my translation from Spanish).

He knew He would cause life to triumph over death.

He knew the coming joy.

And still . . . .

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35).

He made their grief His own.

Does He relate to me differently?

No.

I hardly know what to write without making myself feel unduly vulnerable in print.

So I’ll just say I’ve been feeling down lately.

Then this morning I’m reminded that the Shepherd knows His sheep by name.

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out” (John 10:3).

That clicks for me emotionally.

Sure, the truths in this verse have their significant spiritual dimensions.

But the need it speaks to at this time is emotional.

And I am grateful.

I hope I become restful too.