The shortest Bible verse is in the 11th chapter of the Gospel of John:

“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35

Jesus is standing in front of the tomb of Lazarus, a friend. Lazarus had already died days ago and was buried – as it is usual in the Middle East – probably at the latest by the next day. It is now already the fourth day (John 11:39). Jesus comes to the tomb. And Jesus wept. What do we hear? Does this verse speak of compassion and co-living, of appreciation, of grief, of personal relationship, of connection and closeness, of loss and humanity? This chapter deals with very central questions of our humanity. In it, many things shine. The fact that Jesus wept was only a small part of the story, but unmistakably valuable.

It is about death and suffering, but also about resurrection and life. Just before, Jesus had said to Martha “I am the resurrection and the life!” (John 11:25). This announcement was even before Jesus stood at the tomb. Fully aware of His own power and task, He first stands before the tomb and weeps.

Compassion. And then He acts.

The whole story is worth reading, comforting, amazingly sober and full of confidence. The full text can be found here:

• Jesus and Lazarus
  John 11:1-45