Tear Drop
Tear Drop
The Tears of God
John 11:35 - "Jesus wept"
This is perhaps the oddest passage of scripture you will find in the New Testament. There may be other passages that confuse you or that you do not fully understand, but this certainly could be the oddest.
I do not mean to be irreverent with this label. I am confident that when you hear my whole case, you will agree that I have not been. I merely want to emphasize the disparity of thought created by these two simple words when considering whom it was that was weeping. These were the tears of God.
As it is now, it was then; Jesus is God. In him and by him were all things created. All things are known to him and all things are subject unto his will. That he could weep is unsettling, almost suggesting that maybe everything was not under his control. I mean after all, God doesn't cry. He is in charge. If he doesn't like something, he can change it. And yet, it is not in dispute. He wept.
Therein is the disparity. He wept, but he had no apparent reason to weep. Though he was in man's flesh, he was very God. He knew that he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead and remedy the situation. That precluded his feeling grief or sadness over Lazarus' death. The occasion should have been a joyous one from his perspective. And yet, he wept.
Even a mind governed by faith cannot pass by this text without asking a few questions? Why was Jesus so upset? Why did he weep? What does it take to make God cry? For those answers, we must back up a few moments before verse 35 to see things from Jesus' eyes, to feel what he was feeling. We must view that moment from God's perspective, and not our own.
Previously, in the preceding verses of John chapter 11, we are told of Jesus receiving word of the passing of Lazarus and of Jesus' eventual entry into Bethany. You may read this in detail at your leisure, but essentially it tells us that when Jesus arrived at Bethany there were many weeping Jews in the house, including Mary, who alone came out to meet the Lord at his arrival.
When he observed the scene of grief and weeping, we are told that "he groaned in the spirit and was troubled". He and Mary exchanged a few words and then of course, it tells us that the Lord himself wept.
Some have erroneously supposed that Jesus wept because, like so many others before him, he really was nothing more than a self-proclaimed, powerless prophet. Others claim that maybe he was a true prophet, but when faced with a challenge that required divine intervention, he was not able to enlist God's help and was reduced to tears of frustration.
Those in this camp of thought quantify their fraudulent charge by alleging that when Lazarus was raised, it was not a raising at all, but rather an awakening. Although there is no historical evidence or record to support their view, they suppose that Lazarus suffered from a medical condition that made him appear to be dead and awoke at just the right time to make Jesus look good.
This idea that Jesus was either a fraud or opportunist is not only pure, unsupportable nonsense, it is scripturally foul. Ideas like these emanate from the hearts of unregenerate souls who neither seek nor care to know spiritual truth. To the truth-seeking heart, to the honest mind, there can be no doubt but that Jesus was and is everything he claimed to be. He is indeed the Son of God and the only salvation for mankind.
Still, Jesus wept, and I think it is important that we try to understand why. This was a very profound event. Later, at Gethsemene, he would drop tears of blood, but this was understandable. He was taking the sins of the world upon himself, when he himself was innocent of sin. He was submitting to the Father.
Here at Bethany, the situation was not the same. Jesus had complete control. He knew he was going to raise Lazarus in just a few moments. Earlier, on the road to Bethany, he had even acknowledged this when he told the disciples "I go that I may awake him out of sleep" (verse 11). There simply was no reason for heaviness of heart. Or was there?
Too often, when we hold God on the high pedestal that he so richly deserves, we somehow forget that one of his characteristics is love. Jesus, as the God-man, was the epitome of compassion. It is no stretch of the imagination to think that all that was going on caused him deep, personal grief.
Consider that he had just spent several days traveling with disciples who had largely expressed a lack of faith and whose mood was, at best, somber. Then, as he moved into the burial area, he was overwhelmed by the prevailing air of grief. As he moved among the people, he saw their sorrow, he saw their defeat, their weeping fell upon his ears and he was deeply troubled by it.
The only breath of encouragement that found its way to the Lord was that of Martha, one of the sisters of Lazarus. As he came near to the city, she came out to meet him and greeted him with her now well-known, persevering faith. But even her faith was framed in grief and sorrow.
Again, Jesus knew he was about to raise Lazarus. He knew that in a few moments there would be great joy and that the sorrow of the moment would be gone and forgotten. He knew that he would turn their tears to smiles and their heartache to praise. Soon all would be well…for them.
But for Jesus, there was more than that going on in his heart. As he surveyed the scene of mourning due to the passing of Lazarus, he was thinking about the cause rather than the effect of death. Jesus was looking beyond the obvious, beyond the weeping crowd and mourners and lamenting how much evil sin had brought to his creation.
For just a brief moment, he thought back on man's history. He remembered the very moment when Adam chose to sin and how Adam's disobedience had broken his heart. He remembered when Cain rose up in jealousy and anger against his brother and how Abel's blood cried out to him from the ground.
He recalled the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and how Abraham could not find even ten righteous people in the whole of the city. He thought of all the evil and wickedness that had taken root among those he had made in his own image, of the ravages of sin on his perfect creation, and he groaned in his spirit and was troubled.
As he thought back on man's infamous history, he also looked forward to the cross and the price he would have to pay for sin even though he had never sinned himself. Surrounded by the unbelief of his closest followers and immersed in this scene of sorrow, no doubt the burden was great as he considered all these things and moved among the mourners.
He saw their pain, he felt their sorrow, and their weeping stirred his heart. The sting of death, brought upon man because of sin, was doing its evil work. He saw the pain, he saw the misery, he saw the wages of sin being paid out and the heart of God was broken for the people he had created. And my friend, Jesus wept!
His heart was broken for his creation and our sin brought Almighty God to tears. In retrospect, I suppose this verse is really not that odd after all.
About the Author
The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with over 32 years of service. He is also a Baptist Preacher and Bible Teacher. He helps those grieving the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit at www.coldnosesbook.com for more information or write to petgate@aol.com.
 |
 20 Vintage West German PINK OPAL Tear Drop Glass Beads 12x7mm 10 $5.59 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 9m Buy It Now for only: $5.59 |
 Handpainted Peruvian Ceramic Teardrop Focal Beads 32mm 1 5 16 2 pcs $2.98 Time Remaining: 3h 55m Buy It Now for only: $3.48 |
 18 VINTAGE COPPER COATED 20X8mm FACETED TEARDROP PENDANTS 2018 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 27m |
 VINTAGE ORANGE GLASS Pendant Bead DANGLE DROP GOLD LONG TEAR DROP $5.99 Time Remaining: 13d 21h 38m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 6 VINTAGE BRASS CORRUGATED TEAR DROP 27x18mm BEADS 2401 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 33m |
 VINTAGE CHERRY RED GLASS BRONZE GLITTER BEAD PENDANT TEAR DROP PEAR 20 x 15mm $3.99 Time Remaining: 12d 5h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 24 VINTAGE COPPER COATED 12X6mm ETCHED Teardrop Beads 2002 $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 34m |
 30 Teardrop Silver Coated Alloy Pendant Drop Beads 7mm $2.50 Time Remaining: 22d 6h 17m Buy It Now for only: $2.50 |
 12 VINTAGE METALLIC GOLD ACRYLIC 38x18mm SMOOTH TEAR Drop Beads 7016 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 33m |
 18 VINTAGE BRASS 14X6mm CORRUGATED TEAR DROP BEADS 2414 $1.85 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 3h 29m |
 WONDERFUL ART DECO AMETHYST GLASS TEARDROP W LIGHTER AMETHYST RHINESTONE CENTER $2.95 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 57m Buy It Now for only: $2.95 |
 50 Vintage Frosted Smoke Glass Beads 9x8mm Tear Drop $1.99 Time Remaining: 10h 14m |
 16 Blue Faceted Acrylic Teardrop Briolette Drop Beads 24mm $2.90 Time Remaining: 21d 32m Buy It Now for only: $2.90 |
 2 Vintage Rose Quartz Faceted Agate Bead Approx 25 x 18mm Teardrop $1.99 Time Remaining: 11h 41m |
 30 Vintage Faceted Blue Tear Drop Plastic Loose Bead acrylic charm Craft Kit DIY $2.49 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 27m Buy It Now for only: $2.49 |
 VINTAGE PINK SABRINA GLASS SILVER METAL BEAD PENDANT TEAR DROP 8 x 13mm $1.99 Time Remaining: 12h 49m |
 Vintage yellow teardrop glass beads 16 mm $2.50 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 11m Buy It Now for only: $2.50 |
 12 VINTAGE BRASS 20x14mm CORRUGATED TEAR DROP BEADS 2404 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 3h 31m |
 8 Vintage Blue Glass Beads 22x11mm Teardrop W Ribs $1.99 Time Remaining: 15h 31m |
 18 Vintage blue flatback teardrop ornaments 16x9mm $1.25 Time Remaining: 13d 13h 55m Buy It Now for only: $1.25 |
 12 VINTAGE METALLIC COPPER ACRYLIC 38x18mm TEAR DROP BEADS 7014 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 3h 30m |
 20 Faceted Translucent Purple Acrylic Teardrop Pendant Drop Beads 34mm $3.25 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 29m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 6 VINTAGE ITALIAN CONFETTI TEAR DROP SMOOTH 29X24mm DECO BEADS 311 $0.99 Time Remaining: 14h 43m |
 20 Faceted Translucent Topaz Acrylic Teardrop Pendant Drop Beads 34mm $3.25 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 18m Buy It Now for only: $3.25 |
 VINTAGE DYED JADETTE JADE TEAR DROP BEAD PENDANTS 20mm LEAF BEAD CAP $1.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 13h 12m |
 VINTAGE WHITE Glass Bead TEAR DROP PENDANT BRASS OLD $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 12m |
 30 Teardrop Brass Pendant Drop Beads 5mm $3.00 Time Remaining: 19d 15h 39m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 |
 12 Vintage Jet Black Glass Beads 26 x 7mm Tear Drop $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 52m |
 VINTAGE 13X8 DK TOURMALINE FACETED GLASS TEARDROP X12 $2.26 Time Remaining: 8d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $2.26 |
 12 Vintage Pink Opal Glass Beads 27 x 9mm Tear Drop $1.99 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 57m |
 Vintage Japan RARE Cotton Pearls Teardrop 27 x 20 $28.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 47m Buy It Now for only: $28.00 |
 Vintage Glass TEAR DROP SMOKE TOPAZ Glass Bead PENDANTS $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 12m |
 Vintage Aquamarine Teardrop Rhinestone Drop Charms 13x8 $4.50 Time Remaining: 7d 4h 57m Buy It Now for only: $4.50 |
 VINTAGE LIGHT SAPPHIRE GLASS TEAR DROP SEW ON BEAD $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 13m |
 Vintage Beads RUBY RED FACETED GLASS TEAR DROP TEARDROP BEAD 15mm $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 13h 12m |
 VINTAGE 13X7 TEARDROP GLASS POINT BACK FIRE OPAL 6 $3.76 Time Remaining: 7d 13h 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.76 |
 VINTAGE 12 TURQUOISE BLUE GLASS TEAR DROP BEAD DROPS BEADS 6 by 8mm JAPAN $1.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 13h 12m |
 10 Vintage Lucite Tan Caramel Marbled Teardrop Drop Beads 25mm $3.45 Time Remaining: 14d 59m Buy It Now for only: $3.45 |
 10 Vintage Clear Aquamarine Lampwork Glass Beads Teardrop $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 5m |
 20 Faceted Translucent Orange Acrylic Teardrop Pendant Drop Beads 34mm $3.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 |
 10 Vintage Clear Lt Purple Lampwork Glass Beads Teardrop $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 5m |
 12 VINTAGE PLUM PURPLE 25X18mm TEAR DROP BEADS 5235 $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 27m |
 Vintage amethyst teardrop glass beads 12 mm $2.75 Time Remaining: 15d 8h 58m Buy It Now for only: $2.75 |
 12 VINTAGE IVORY ACRYLIC 27x12mm UNIQUE TEAR DROP BEADS 5627 $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 41m |
 Vintage CHAMPAGNE BARQ PEARL TEARDROP Pendant 37x20m L $6.80 Time Remaining: 12d 14h 25m Buy It Now for only: $6.80 |
 12 VINTAGE ORANGE TEAR DROP 30x14mm SMOOTH BEADS 1900 $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 41m |
 Vintage Lucite EMBEDDED Flower Bead Pendant Charm TEAR DROP 30mm $3.49 Time Remaining: 11d 12h 36m Buy It Now for only: $3.49 |
 12 VINTAGE POWDER BLUE 30x10mm SMOOTH TEAR DROP BEADS 5237 $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 41m |
 |
Ateco Plain Tear Drop Cutter Set
List Price:  |
DescriptionCut, emboss and press out sugar paste decorations with this set of six tear drop shaped cutters. Each cutter has a graduated size and cutters in set range in size from 0.6 to 2-3/4-inch. They are made of stainless steel and have sharp cutting edges... |
 |
Umbra Teardrop Die-Cast Metal Paper Towel Holder
List Price: |
DescriptionSmooth contours and a soft brushed finish give this metal holder an artsy look. It's nicely weighted so as not to tip over when you tear off a sheet, and the top unscrews for easy replacement of the roll. |
 |
Ateco 6 Piece Plain Tear Drop Cutter Set
List Price: |
DescriptionAteco s/s 6-piece plain edge tear drop cutter set this tear-drop shaped cookie cutter set comes with 6 pieces that gradually increase in size starting with 1.8" to 3.75". model #: 5252 material: stainless steel color: silver storage can included sizes: 1... |
 |
Taylor Swift
List Price: |
DescriptionNot so long ago, a 13-year old Taylor Swift set out to be a star and moved from Reading, Pennsylvania, to Nashville. By 14, she had a publishing deal, and by 15, a recording contract. In these days of Bianca Ryan (and before her, Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes), many are called, but few are chosen... |
 |
Drops of Jupiter
List Price: |
DescriptionIn 1999, Train came out of nowhere with the single "Meet Virginia" and soon after found themselves the proverbial overnight success. The San Francisco band with a penchant for the Southern jam could very easily be one of those acts that fade from memory after a lone hit... |
 |
Abide With Me: 50 Favorite Hymns
List Price: |
DescriptionAll products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. |
 |
Umbra Teardrop Die-Cast Metal Toilet Paper Reserve
List Price: |
DescriptionProduct FeaturesFree standing toilet paper reserveClean contemporary design; perfect for master and guest bathrooms; part of a complete bath setFreestanding with reserve and weighted base; holds 4 rollsSize: 6... |
 |
Moen 96797 Chateau One-Handle Tub and Shower Knob Handle Kit
List Price: |
DescriptionMoen 96797 Handle Knb Cht Ts 1 Handle Cl W/C Bag |
 |
Umbra Teardrop Die-Cast Metal Toilet Paper Stand with Reserve
List Price: |
DescriptionFree standing toilet paper stand with reserveClean contemporary design; perfect for master and guest bathrooms; part of a complete bath setFreestanding with reserve and weighted base; holds 4 rollsSize: 10... |
 |
A Question Of Ethics
Sale Price: $1.99 |
|
|
Silver Turquoise and Abalone Tear Drop Earrings (Mexico) $22.49 Pieces of turquoise and abalone are artfully arranged in the shape of a tear drop and mounted on silver in these gorgeous mosaic earrings. These colorful pieces of jewelry will add an irresistible look to any outfit. |
|
|
Walnut Tear Drop Counter Stool $102.99 Accent your home furniture collection with a stylish bar stoolDining stool boasts solid beech wood construction Furniture has been corner blocked for sturdiness and durability |
|
|
Reflections Tear Drop Cotton Sateen 300 Thread Count Full-size Sheet Set $33.99 Enjoy a great night's sleep with these refreshing sateen sheets. This sheet set showcases a fashionable printed tear drop pattern. |
|
|
Tear Drop Dangle Earrings (India) $24.09 These lovely dangle earrings feature blueish green glass bead and goldtone bead clusters. Lever-back clasps and a high polish finish complete the design of this stylish pair of tear drop earrings. |
|
|
Sterling Silver Marcasite Tear-drop Dangle Earrings $30.99 These double tear-drop earrings are encrusted with shimmering marcasite stones. This jewelry piece is made of sterling silver and shines with a highly polished finish. |
|
|
Tear Drop Opal & Sterling Silver Earrings (India) $33.99 Earrings features white tear drop opalsHand-made sterling silver earringsOpal earrings add a classic touch to any outfit |
|
|
Fifth Avenue Crystal Tear Drop Napkin Rings (Set of  $44.69 Impress your guests with these eye catching napkin rings from Fifth Avenue Crystal. These tear drop shaped rings are perfect for holding napkins secure while adding a glamorous touch to your table setting. |
|
|
Mango Wood Carved Tear Drop Vase (Thailand) $48.99 Where style meets functionality, this vase is made from eco-friendly mango wood. Artisans in Thailand delicately handcraft this vase over a 60-day process. Each vase includes a 12-inch glass liner and can be used safely for fresh flowers. |
|
|
Sterling Silver Twirling Tear Drop Necklace (Thailand) $46.99 Adorn any look with the fantastic beauty of handcrafted jewelry from Thailand. This necklace features a pendant in a teardrop shape made out of a twirling strand of sterling silver. |
|
|
Reflections Tear Drop Cotton Sateen 300 Thread Count King-size Sheet Set $40.49 Enjoy a great night's sleep with these refreshing sateen sheets. This sheet set showcases a fashionable printed tear drop pattern. |
|
|
Sterling Silver Hammered Tear Drop Earrings $37.49 These hammered sterling silver earrings have a gorgeous tear drop design. These earrings features secure hook clasps. |
|
|
Tressa Silvertone Cubic Zirconia Tear Drop Necklace $34.99 This pendant features a tear drop design lined with sparkling cubic zirconia. The metal is rhodium-plated brass and a 14-inch cable chain with a 1.5-inch extension is included with this jewelry. |
|
|
Reflections Tear Drop Cotton Sateen 300 Thread Count Pillowcases (Set of 2) $17.99 Enjoy a great night's sleep with these refreshing sateen pillowcases. This pillowcase set showcases a fashionable printed tear drop pattern. |
|
|
Midnight Tear Drop Vase $42.49 Color: Midnight blackMaterials: Glass and metal Pattern: Mosaic |
|
|
La Preciosa Sterling Silver Tear Drop Hammered Dangle Earrings $33.99 These divine dangle earrings offer a unique hammered design with hook clasps. These tear drop earrings are crafted out of 925 sterling silver and feature a highly-polished finish. |
|
|
Red Tear Drop Petticoat Adult $19.99 Includes one red tear drop petticoat. |
|
|
Tear Drop Necklace $545 This tear drop necklace is a look that was made to dazzle and impress. The oxidized sterling silver beaded necklace boasts a remarkable tear drop shaped pendant which is beautifully paved with champagne diamonds. The chain fastens with a lobster claw closure. |
|
|
Silver Tear Drop Necklace $70 This silver tear drop necklace is a classic. The tear drop shaped pendant hangs from the simple sterling chain with great style. It's a tasteful design that you can pair with almost anything. Lobster claw closure. |
|
|
Tear Drop Marker Light $4.49 This Tear Drop Marker Light features easily replaced lens, durable plastic housing. Color: Amber. By Blazer. |
|
|
Labradorite Tear Drop Necklace $95 You may just want to cry tears of joy once you get your hands on this labradorite tear drop necklace. The tear drop shaped labradorite pendant does a great job at enhancing the look of the modest beaded chain. The sleek design is a compliment to just about any look. Lobster claw closure. |
|
|
Tear Drop and Petal Earrings $250 These tear drop and petal earrings are nothing short of fab. The tear drop design features numerous cubic zirconias along the outer brim and strategically placed in the center. For added contrast the center of the earring makes quite the impression with the hammered rhodium plating. These earrings are post back closure for pierced ears. |
|
|
Gold Hammered Tear Drop Earrings $12.5 You're the ultimate glamazon in these stunning gold hammered tear drop earrings. |
|
|
Indulgence Heart Tear Drop Necklace $9 Item number: 475070 Indulgence Heart Tear Drop Necklace |
|
|
Pink Tear Drop Petticoat Adult $19.99 Includes one pink tear drop petticoat. Shoes not included. |
|
|
Tear Drop Diamond Ring $3290 The tear drop diamond ring is graceful and captivating.The sophisticated ring is two toned and topped with illusion set andpaved radiant diamonds. It's a great piece to add when you're gettingall dolled up and ready for a night out. |
|
|
Labradorite Tear Drop Earrings $175 Enhance your look by adding on these labradorite tear drop earrings. We know you'll agree that your special evenings out alwaysdeserve a pair of earrings as fabulous as these. These earrings fastenwith post back closures for pierced ears. |
|
|
Beaded Tear Drop Earrings $40 Get the look of bling with these beaded tear drop earrings.The light bounces off of the faceted beads and dramatically reflectslight giving the earrings an awe-inspiring look. The earrings fastenwith a French wire back for pierced ears. |
|
|
Tear Drop Navel Jewelry $9.99 This 14 Gauge 7/16 implant grade surgical steel curved navel jewelry has, at the bottom, an upside down tear drop shape surrounding a diamond clear cubic zirconia. |
|
|
Black and Green Tear Drop Necklace $173 The black and green tear drop necklace helps put the oohin ooh la la. The tear drop form is wrapped with black cubic zirconiaand features a green mystic drop in the center. This necklace fastenswith a toggle closure. |
|
|
Small Tear Drop Mirror $38.99 Bikemaster Small Tear Drop Mirror Gorgeous mini tear drop design Mirror head design flows into tapering stem Beautifully made and polished from billet aluminum Steel shaft, lightweight composite shell Precision locking swivel ball joint adjustment Special application for Yamaha or other metric applications Sold as a set |
"Teardrop" - Massive Attack
Tags: camping, drop, tear, tear drop tune 3, teardrop, teardrop tattoo, teardrop trailer, teardrops on my guitar, teardrops on my guitar lyrics, trailer