[The Urban Sombrero]

Isn’t it possible that Jesus simply wept because he knew Lazarus, considered him a friend, saw how deeply grief-stricken were the other mourners? Plus, a pretty stark foreshadowing of where he himself was headed? Also, Christ wanted his followers to see others as they really are, to see the shame and sorrow and suffering behind the curtains, and to proclaim and confirm the Gospel of God’s enduring love for all human beings. The “culture war” does not excuse contempt, nor does compassion excuse the dismissal of sin. Balancing the pendulum is the work of the Spirit.