![]() This time let's turn to Numbers chapter eleven. The meat came from countless birds which, being tired after a long flight where they battled heavy winds, were easily caught only a few feet above the ground (31-35). God gave the people the meat they wanted, but it brought an outbreak of disease that caused many deaths. He was not jealous if others became more honoured in the eyes of the people in fact, he wished that all the people might have God’s Spirit upon them (24-30). He apparently felt that if the people saw these men doing what previously only Moses did, they might give them the sort of respect that previously they gave solely to Moses. Joshua, one of Moses’ assistants, was concerned about this and asked Moses to silence the men. Two of their number for some reason had not attended the ceremony at the tabernacle, but the spirit came upon them where they were in the camp and they prophesied there. When the seventy leaders received this spirit from God they prophesied. ![]() In their greed for meat they would eat so much that they would become sick (16-23). God responded to Moses’ second complaint by promising a supply of meat that would give the people more than they asked for. ![]() God commanded Moses to bring seventy of the leading elders of Israel to the tabernacle, where he gave them a share of the same spirit as he had given Moses, so that they could help Moses in the government of the people. He understood Moses’ troubles and helped him through them. God did not rebuke Moses for his outburst. In addition he knew of no way to provide such a crowd of people with the food they wanted (10-15). Moses complained to God that the responsibility of looking after this complaining multitude was a burden greater than he could bear. Soon the discontent spread throughout the camp. (For the origin of manna see Exodus 16:1-36.) They wanted some of the food they had been used to in Egypt (4-9). These people complained that they were tired of having the same food every day, even though it was miraculously supplied by God. Among those who journeyed with the Israelites from Egypt were some foreigners who had mixed with the Israelites in Egypt ( Exodus 12:38). This response is described using a Greek term implying quiet tears, in contrast to the "wailing" described from the other mourners.The people had travelled only a short time when they began to complain against God, with the result that God punished them (11:1-3). In the meantime, He weeps, sharing their pain and their sorrow. Jesus is about to resurrect His good friend, bringing Lazarus back to his sisters and family. At the same time, Scripture tells us God truly, deeply understands the pain we feel while we wait for that plan to be completed (2 Corinthians 5:1–5 Isaiah 53:3). Responding to tragedy, we sometimes ask, "If God really cared, why not stop this happening in the first place?" The Bible tells us even our hardest moments have a purpose in God's will (Romans 8:28). Even when Jesus knew He was about to make right what was wrong, He still "felt" the pain of the people He was there to serve. When bad things happen, we often ask, "does God even care?" This simple statement, "Jesus wept," proves that He does. The fact that Jesus weeps in this situation brings context to human pain and suffering. This moment speaks to His humanity, and His ability to sympathize with our pain and suffering (Hebrews 4:15–16). The fact that Jesus-who is God incarnate (John 1:1–4)-experiences human sorrow, at all, is reason enough to be amazed. Judaism, alone, presented a God who invested real love and compassion into His creations. They saw humans as tools, toys, or slaves. Those who did weren't the slightest bit concerned about human happiness. That feeling is strong enough to produce tears.Īncient deities were often stoic: they didn't express emotions. Christ is here to restore the dead man, but He still feels compassion for the mourners (John 11:33). That fact, alone, gives this verse a context which boggles the mind. Jesus has come here with the intention of raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:11–15). ![]() Lazarus' sisters are in mourning, as are other friends and neighbors (John 11:18–19). Jesus has arrived a few days after the death of a good friend, Lazarus (John 11:17). Despite being short, this phrase describes something incredible about the nature of God and the ministry of Jesus Christ. John, who wrote this gospel, did not intend these two words-three in Greek-as a distinct statement. John 11:35 is infamously referred to as the "shortest verse in the Bible." It's worth mentioning that chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original Scriptures.
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