Jesus Wept

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)

When I had first heard the music of Linkin Park as a high schooler, I had my reservations. Though my love for heavy rock was at its peak in these angst filled years, I saw their sudden popularity as a threat to great music (I was hipster before hipster was a thing). However, by the release of their second equally as successful album, I was hooked. Every single song refreshingly spoke to an audience that surpassed the metal genre. They were catchy yes, but perhaps what was most appealing were their overall likability. It seemed like the group were without ego or pretension. It all started with their vulnerable frontman Chester. Open with his struggles, he was able to connect with fans through his transparent lyrics sung with a criminally underrated rock voice.

Years and albums passed by the time the news of his suicide reached me. My heart broke. We often ask how those who seemingly had so much, could put such a dramatic end to their life and work. Stories such as these remind us that we are not made for this world. The temporal gifts and excess of this life were never meant to sustain our weary souls. To many, the acts of the afflicted are cowardly. Yet one look at the person of Jesus will paint a vastly different picture. His compassion in times of hurt is unmatched. While many see God as angry and detached during grief, Scripture shows us a God who mourns with us. He doesn’t speak in cliche nor does He speak as the self-righteous of this world. He simply weeps. It cannot be overstated how fallen this present world is. With events like these it feels even more fallen than usual. In these times it is comforting to serve the God of comfort, knowing nothing is wasted.