How can we comfort others who are "weeping" as Mary was in John 20:13? Setting the Scene: Mary’s Tears at the Tomb John 20:13: “They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ‘Because they have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I do not know where they have put Him.’” What We Learn from the Moment • Hurt is real—even for the most devoted followers. • Compassionate questions (“Why are you weeping?”) invite the hurting to speak. • Hope is already standing nearby (vv. 14–16); comfort aims to open tear-blurred eyes to Him. Principles for Comforting Those Who Weep • Be present before speaking—grief notices nearness more than words (Job 2:13). • Ask, don’t assume—gentle questions allow pain to surface safely. • Listen attentively—echo back what you hear so the sufferer feels understood. • Affirm legitimate sorrow—Jesus never rebuked Mary for crying (cf. John 11:35). • Move the gaze toward Christ—share how the risen Lord meets us in loss. Scriptures That Offer True Comfort • Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” • Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: we grieve, “yet not like the rest, who have no hope.” • Revelation 21:4: a future with “no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Practical Ways to Embody Comfort • Sit quietly, offering a steady, compassionate presence. • Provide tangible help—meals, childcare, errands—which says, “You’re not alone.” • Speak Scripture softly, timing it to the heart’s readiness. • Share personal testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness without shifting focus to yourself. • Offer to pray with them, asking God to reveal His nearness just as Jesus revealed Himself to Mary. Living as Resurrection People Comfort flows from confidence that Jesus is alive. Because the tomb is empty: • Our words carry authority backed by accomplished redemption. • Our hope is concrete, not sentimental; sorrow can coexist with unshakable joy. • Our mission is to lead tear-stained eyes to the Savior who still calls each grieving heart by name (John 20:16). |
    |