Jesus Weeps
The theology of a loving Savior and Mother (The Chosen: Season 4, Episode 7)
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we approach the season 4 finale of The Chosen, I’m compelled to highlight what I believe to be one of the most profound scenes this season. This moment not only deepens our understanding of Jesus but also connects us to His mother.
In this episode, we witness Jesus arriving in Bethany, greeted by the grieving family of Lazarus.
Jesus Weeping in Bethany
Their hearts are broken, and their confusion palpable as they wonder why Jesus, their healer and friend, did not prevent Lazarus's death. It's a moment fraught with raw emotion, encapsulating the depth of human sorrow and divine purpose. Then, we see Jesus break down in tears; a scene that leaves His disciples, and us, speechless.
The sight of Jesus, the embodiment of divine strength, succumbing to grief is both shocking and moving. But what follows immediately after is what captures the essence of this episode: Mary, the Mother of God, rushes to embrace Him.
Reflecting on the Scene
Take a moment to view this scene. Reflect on it, considering what is portrayed here. This emotional moment captures the humanity of Jesus in a way that words often fail to convey. I certainly struggled when writing this post.
Many of you may recall your childhood, picturing your father or grandfather. You may have never seen them cry, never seen them vulnerable, never witnessed their heartache. We perceive that while their love is still steadfast and unyielding, it sits behind a hardened fortress.
For many of us, we see Jesus in the same way: a strong fatherly love that doesn’t bleed. But this perception neglects one of the greatest Mysteries of the Christian faith—the fact that Jesus was not only fully divine but also fully human*.
Not only does He indeed bleed, He was a man who loved His friends dearly to His own breaking point. As we reflect upon the Gospels, we see this humanity displayed time and time again.
Consider the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35: "Jesus wept." This verse, set within the story of Lazarus, shows us a Savior who is deeply moved by the sorrow of His friends, who is not distant from our pain but profoundly present within it.
Mary's Motherly Embrace
The way Mother Mary rushed to her Son to comfort Him in His time of grief is a testament to her maternal love. Any parent understands the intense internal pain of their child's sadness. Holding them, heartbroken, wishing desparately to take their pain away is an experience universally understood.
Put yourself in Mary’s shoes for just a moment. Imagine hugging the Son of God–and hugging the Son of God the same way that you might hug your own child. The one she raised from childhood. The one she brought into this world at the nativity.
In this embrace, we witness the intersection of divine mission and human emotion. Mary now holds the broken-hearted Jesus. Her embrace is not just a mother's comfort but a profound affirmation of Jesus's humanity and vulnerability.
From the earliest days of the Church, Mary has been held in high reverence. The Early Church Fathers spoke of her with great honor, recognizing her unique role in salvation history.
This feeling isn’t relegated to Catholic or Orthodox Christians. In fact, even Protestant figures like Martin Luther held Mary in high esteem. Luther wrote extensively about her, calling her "the highest woman" and "the Mother of God," showing that respect for Mary transcends denominational boundaries.
This historical reverence calls us to similarly hold Mary in high regard today. Her example of selfless and boundless faith, humility, and deep maternal love continues to inspire Christians of all traditions.
Finding Solace in Christ's Love
As Christians, we can find profound solace in the fact that Jesus Christ is a loving God who truly cares for us. In both the best moments of our lives and the worst, His love remains with us.
We should consider ourselves honored and perpetually grateful for His love and the great sacrifice He made for us so that we could enjoy eternity with Him. This understanding should deepen our appreciation and devotion, knowing that the Savior who wept with His friends also rejoices with us and carries our burdens.
This scene from The Chosen invites us to see Jesus not just as a distant, powerful deity but as someone who shares in our human experiences. It reminds us that in our moments of deepest sorrow, we are not alone. Jesus weeps with us, and His mother, our mother, embraces us in our pain.
As we continue to journey through this life, let us hold on to this image of Jesus: the weeping Savior, deeply moved by our suffering, and the loving mother who comforts Him.
In this, we find a reflection of our own struggles and a source of profound hope.
May we draw closer to Him, understanding that His tears are a testament to His love for us, and may we find solace in the embrace of Mary, who loves us as her own.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Josh
P.S. Watch this episode? I’d love to know your thoughts on this scene or any other that you found profoundly moving. Comment below and share with your friends if you enjoyed it.
*This is the Christian doctrine formalized in the Early Christian Church known as Hypostatic Union. It asserts that Jesus Christ is one Person with two natures: one fully divine and one fully human.